Beyond Forever- Chapter 6
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on August 31, 2015
Chapter 6
Present
“That was really good, Maya!” Ricky said happily after he had finished his second serving of Maya’s champorado. “The best champorado I tasted, swear! And the coffee is the best tasting too! If you are serving this brew in your cafe, then I definitely will have to go there everyday when I return to Manila and get my fix!”
“You’re welcome, Ricky. I’m glad you like it. I do hope you can check out the cafe when you return to Manila. I’ll be happy if you will drop by one day. Let me know lang ha, then I will personally give you a tour and play barista for you. Pero baka malayo sa office mo iyong cafe ko?” Maya said with a big smile, happy that Ricky loves the food she prepared. “Malapit pala sa Makati Avenue iyong cafe/gallery.”
“Oh, then I will definitely be there very often, kahit everyday! Two streets lang ang head office ng Lim Corporation from Makati Avenue. Saka even if malayo, I will go there, just to see you and taste your wonderful coffee!” Ricky said, giving Maya a charming smile, then he remembered something. “Wait, I think I know your cafe, or least I know which one it is! Is your cafe the one with floor to ceiling windows, with a big mural on the ground floor, and had a purplish decor, with pastel-colored chairs?”
“Yes, that’s the one! Nakapunta ka na sa Cafe Arts?” Maya asked, surprised. She can’t recall ever seeing Ricky there. If she had, she is one hundred percent sure that she will remember. But baka rin naman wala siya noong nagpunta sa cafe si Ricky. Hindi naman siya nasa cafe all the time. She and Emman take turns in manning the cafe. She has to divide her time between the cafe and the gallery on the second floor din.
“No, no, I haven’t been inside! Nadadaanan ko lang pauwi. I live in Rockwell kasi. Pero I have been meaning to check it out.” Ricky explained. “Mahilig din kasi ako sa coffee and I like trying out coffee shops na hindi part ng big chains, para kasing mas personal and mas less commercialized ang coffee. Saka parang your cafe looks very interesting from the outside.”
“I agree with you on that. Iyon din ang reason namin ni Emman, who is my business partner and a good friend from college, why we decided to put up the coffee shop. Lahat ng beans namin, we make sure na freshly ground, locally source, saka the best, and the food, personally taste-tested namin. Kasama rin sa menu namin ang best recipes namin na dati family and friends lang ang nakakatikim ng paulit-ulit at parating nire-request sa amin. Iyon ang mga bestseller namin. The two of us also enrolled in a barista school para mas alam namin ang ginagawa namin.” Maya said. “Then since art is my other passion, we combined it with that. Emman is into photoraphy naman so some of his works are also on display at the cafe and the gallery.”
“That’s great, Maya. I’m sure that cafe and gallery is a success. Every time I passes by, maraming tao. That’s one of the reasons why I was unable to check it out. Puno na also ang parking spaces ninyo pati.”
“Oh! Well, since we know each other na, please text me if you will be at the cafe, we can have coffee at my own private space there. There is actually a small garden at the back, away from the street which I uses, just to paint and take a break, enjoying my coffee in solitude” Maya said. “Tapos, there is a vacant parking space pa sa assigned slots ko kasi walang kotse si Emman. He lives nearby and just walks from his place to the cafe!”
“Okay, I will do that. I’m really looking forward to that.” Ricky said, then gave Maya, a lopsided smile that made her heart beat faster. “I’ll make sure na nandoon ka talaga.”
“I’m looking forward to that too, Ricky.” Maya smiled back at Ricky, then took a sip of her coffee, looked at the beautiful view before them, and sighed, content. “This is very nice! It is very nice here, like this. I’m glad I took the trip here to Ilocos.”
Ricky gazed at Maya intently as he sipped his coffee, then said softly. “I’m glad you did, Maya. I’m glad I did, too.”
The two of them gazed at each other without them intending to. It was Maya who broke the contact, getting self-conscious and feeling her face turning red from the look Ricky was giving her, not to mention the fast beating of her heart. Sa lakas ng kabog, feeling niya naririnig na ni Ricky. She took a deep breath to calm herself. “Plano mo ba talagang magbakasyon here, or like me, this is a spur-of-the-moment decision?”
Ricky was about to take another sip of coffee, but stopped for a while, and pondered Maya’s question. He stared at the view before him without really seeing anything. Then he looked at Maya again, and smiled. “I guess like you, this is a wonderful spur-of-the-moment decision, one that I seldom make. I’m not what you call a very impulsive person. I just needed to get away from everything for a while, then I suddenly thought about this place. So, one evening, I packed my bags, then drove straight to this place.”
“Wow, you drove all the way! It must have been very tiring! ” Maya said. “I flew to Laoag and then just traveled by land from the airport there. Hindi ko nga kabisado masyado. I just asked people for directions. Mababait naman ang mga napagtanungan ko. It was a good experience and a small adventure na rin.”
“It was. I only stopped for coffee and toilet break, then balik sa pagda-drive. Luckily, since gabi naman, traffic was light and mas mabilis akong nakarating, unlike kung daytime ako nagbiyahe. Pero, nevertheless, nakakapagod pa rin since I haven’t done that before. Kaya nga I was sleeping kahapon, nung napagkamalan mo akong multo.” Ricky grinned, remembering that incident. The loud crash of thunder and lightning woke him up, then Maya’s scream. When he checked and caught a glimpse of Maya standing in the living room, she literally took his breath away, she looked so lovely, standing in the living room like that.
“Hahahaha, I will not be able to live it down, do I? Sigurado na ako na you will not forget ever meeting me, hahahaha.” Maya said in return, laughing. “I must have looked very silly, and probably you thought, what is this crazy girl doing in my living room!”
“Maya, kahit naman hindi like that ang meeting natin, I don’t think I will ever forget meeting you.” Ricky said plainly, gazing at Maya again, with that look that makes her heart skipped a beat. “Really, I’m glad that we have met each other here, of all places. Pero, I think if not here, we will meet also, eventually, in your cafe. Baka we are fated to meet talaga.”
Maya suddenly took a sip of her coffee, getting flustered. She smiled at Ricky. “I’m glad to have met you too here, Ricky. And yes, we would have probably meet in my cafe, if not here. I usually chat with our regulars when I have time and they are not in a hurry!”
Richard was about to ask Maya what she was planning to do for the rest of the day, when his mobile phone rang, breaking the lovely moment between them. He had a pretty good idea on who was calling, but still, he stood up and checked, to be sure. Baka may emergency sa office niya. He confirmed who was calling, he was right so he let it his phone rang without answering the call. It rang again, and again.
“Ricky, hind mo ba sasagutin iyong call mo, baka importante.” Maya asked, unable to stop herself after the third time. She was very curious and at the same time wondering why Ricky was ignoring the phone call!
“The truth is, I can’t deal with it right now, Maya. One of the reasons why I am here. It is not an emergency call. Besides, I have told my personal assistant that I will take several days off and I am not to be disturbed unless it is a life and death situation. I have left the company in the very capable hands of my chief legal officer, who also happens to be a university friend.” Ricky finished. “I’m sorry, that is all I can say about the matter.”
“It’s okay, Ricky, I understand.” Maya nodded, then looked at Ricky, “But if you need someone to talk to, I’m just here, okay. We may not know each other that long and you don’t really know me, but you can trust on my discretion. Sometime it also helps when you share your burden with someone, kapag merong nakinig.”
“Thank you, Maya. I will, kapag medyo nakapag-isip na ako.” Ricky said. “I may not know you that long, in fact yesterday lang pala tayo nagkakilala! And yet, I feel like I have known you for a long, long time. For now, let us just enjoy Ilocos.”
Maya was startled at what Ricky said as she felt the same. “Pareho tayo, like I have said din yesterday. I guess partly because of our grandparents shared past. Saka I have read somewhere na may mga ganoon daw talaga na instances na parang matagal mo nang kilala ang isang tao, kahit you just meet each other. On the other hand, meron naman na kasa-kasama mo araw-araw, and yet at some point, you would realized that you don’t really know that person at all!” Maya finished her statement with a shrug. “I believe so.”
“I also believe that Maya.” Then changing the topic, Ricky asked Maya what he was supposed to ask her before Lorraine’s call. He had been avoiding her calls and has been deleting her text messages. Good thing, he didn’t tell anyone where he would be! “What is your plan, pala for the rest of the day? May gagawin ka ba?”
“Hmmmm, nothing important naman! I was just planning to walk around and sketch, look for inspiration for my painting.” Maya replied. “Bakit?”
“I was just thinking that we could drive around and explore the area. That way rin baka, may makuha kang inspiration. We can stop anytime na may makita kang interesting na pwede mong i-sketch. Then we can have lunch in Vigan or somewhere else na madaanan nating interesting. What do you think? Will you spend the day with me?” He asked beseechingly. He, very much wanted to spend the day with Maya. He wanted to get lost in her lovely company, instead of thinking about Lorraine and the issues he escaped from.
“Sure, Ricky, I would love to. Plan ko rin talaga to explore the area.” Maya said happily. “What time are we leaving? I need to get my sketch pad from the house, also my camera, and I need to change into more comfortable clothes for walking and exploring. Can we meet in an hour or so?”
Ricky smiled at Maya’s enthusiasm and he was really glad that she had agreed. He likes her company. “Well, we can leave anytime. I’ll just change and get ready din, then we can drive to your house and get your stuffs!”
“Okay!” Maya grinned, really looking forward to spending the whole day with Ricky.
Half an hour later, Maya and Ricky stopped at the Dela Paz beach house to drop off their breakfast basket and to get Maya’s things for their day trip.
“Ricky, this is Manang Miring, iyong caretaker namin dito, kasama nung anak niyang si Dorina.” Maya introduced Ricky to the old lady. “Manang Miring, si Ricky po iyong nakatira diyan sa bahay ng mga Lim. Bahala na po muna kayo sa kanya, magbibihis lang ako at kukunin ko ang mga gamit ko, mamamasyal kami ni Ricky. Ricky, sandali lang ha.”
“Sure, Maya. Take your time, we have the whole day.” Ricky said, then offered his hand to Manang Miring. “Kumusta po kayo, Manang?”
“Mabuti naman po, Sir Ricky. Apo po ba kayo ni Mr. Ricardo Lim?” Manang Miring asked curiously. “Kamukhang-kamukha ninyo po siya kasi.”
“Opo, Manang. Pero namatay po siya bago ako ipanganak, so hindi ko na rin siya inabutan.” Ricky replied. “Kilala ninyo po si Lolo Ricardo?”
“Tatang ko po si Berting Sotelo, iyong dati ninyong caretaker, na yumao na ilang taon na ang nakakalipas. Pinsan ko naman po si Kuya Tunying na kasalukuyang nagbabantay ng beach house ninyo.” The old lady explained. “Naalala ko po kasi ang lolo ninyo. Noong bata po kasi ako, ilang beses ko po siyang nakitang naglalakad sa beach, binigyan niya pa nga po ako ng chocolate one time. Pero pagkalipas po ng ilang araw mula noon, umalis na rin siya at hindi na nabalik dito.”
“Ganoon po ba. Natutuwa naman po ako na malaman.” Ricky said with a smile. The Sotelos have been taking care of their vacation home since it was built, according to his grandmother. “Madalang po kasi akong mapunta rito kaya hindi siguro tayo nagkakilala dati.”
“Sandali lang po pala, Sir Ricky. Ikukuha po kayo ng maiinom.” Manang Miring said. “Kape po? Masarap po iyong kape na ginawa ni Ma’am Maya.”
“Naku, huwag na po, Manang. Katatapos lang po naming mag-breakfast ni Maya. Two cups na nga po ng coffee ang nainom ko ng masarap na coffee ni Maya. Nagdala po siya kanina, kasama noong champorado and tuyo na the best sa lahat ng natikman ko. Thank you po. Saka paalis na rin po kami ni Maya. Hintayin ko na lang po si Maya rito.”
“O sige po, Sir. Kayo ang bahala. Ang aga nga pong nagising ng batang iyan. Sabi ko, ako na ang magluluto. Siya na raw po.” The old lady told Ricky. “Maiwan ko po muna kayo.”
Ricky looked around Maya’s house. It looks so much nicer and different from the Lim vacation house. The house feels familiar to him, as if he had been here before. He was still looking around, when Maya returned to the living room, wearing a white, sleeveless blouse and maong shorts that shows off her endless legs. Her hair was in pony tail and she was not wearing any make-up at all. She has a small backpack with her and her sketch pad in her hand.
“Ricky, sorry, natagalan ako. Ready na ako.” Maya said with a big smile, unaware of how lovely she looks and how Ricky’s heart lurched seeing her like this.
Ricky gulped, then took a deep breath, and gazed at Maya with admiration. “It’s okay, Maya. It was not that long and I liked looking at your beautiful house. And by the way, you look very lovely.” He finished with one of his lopsided smiles.
Maya blushed a bit. “Thank you, Ricky. This is my comfort clothes.” She then looked around the house. “I like this house very much as well. Pagpasok ko palang dito, pagdating ko, parang ang saya-saya ko. I fell in love with the house. Kung pwede nga lang, I woud live here all year round. Kaso nga lang kasi, ang layo sa Maynila. Someday, I will. Anyway, I can just come here very often.”
“The house feels familiar to me also. Baka rin naman sobra ko lang naisip ang laman ng diary ng grandparents natin. I remember reading the description of this place by Lolo Ricardo.”
“Oo nga, pala. Ilang beses din siyang nakapunta rito.” Maya replied. “Shall we get going. Ricky? Sandali lang magpapaalam lang ako kay Manang Miring.”
Several minutes after they said good-bye to Manang Miring, Ricky and Maya were on their way. They opted to travel towards the direction of the Santa Maria Church, their first stop, then traveling farther north towards Vigan and beyond.
Both Maya and Ricky felt an excitement that they can explain as they start their journey. From time to time, as if they can’t help themselves, they gazed at each other, and with smiles on their faces, look at the beautiful scenery before them, both felt their heart singing by just being in each other’s company.
Note: This used to be Chapter 4 before the revision I did. Please see the Richard and Maya folder index Library for the revised chapters! 🙂
Unexpected Love – Chapter 21
Chapter 21
“Happy, Mrs. Bowman?”
“Very, very happy, Mr. Bowman!”
“I love you very much, darling!”
“I love you very much too, honey!”
“The start of our lives together, at long last!”
“I’m looking forward to that!”
“I am, too, darling Pip, especially to our honeymoon, finally!” Ethan teased Pippa naughtily, making her blushed.
Pippa looked at her husband with so much love, before whispering back, softly and with a naughty smile as well. “Me too, honey! Me too!”
Ethan grinned and gave his wife a quick, but searing kiss. Pippa shivered, feeling the effect of that kiss deep into her being, as always. Ethan didn’t know where he got the willpower not to make love to Pippa in the three months they have been engaged and was practically living together. There were times where they came very close to doing so despite his, and her, resolve! Yes, they found ways to express their passion and desire for each other, learned about each other’s body, to satisfy each other somehow, in the meantime slaked the thirst, so to speak, while counting the days until they will become husband and wife. However, despite all the intimacies they have done together, they had managed, barely, to stop making love all the way.
Ethan and Pippa looked at each other again, and with a heated promise to each other, they glided gracefully in front of their guests. This was their first dance as husband and wife, several hours after their beautiful and simple wedding at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Puerto Galera that morning, with their families and friends from England, Davao, Manila, and from Puerto Galera, in attendance.
Colorful capiz lanterns and floor to ceiling lamps made of native materials illuminate the big open Anahaw pavilion especially built for Ethan and Pippa’s wedding reception at The Cove. Pippa’s mother insisted on building the pavilion to make her daughter’s wedding extra special. When Pippa half-heartedly protested that it may be over the top as she and Ethan only wanted a simple wedding, Mommy Marianne countered it by saying that it isn’t everyday that her only daughter is getting married. Besides, she said, it can be used afterwards as a wedding venue in the resort. Pippa stopped protesting and went along with what her and mother, her future mother-in-law, Virgie, and hers and Ethan’s wedding planner had suggested for their beautiful Filipiniana themed wedding. To complete the theme of the wedding, Philippine flowers and plants of all varieties were placed all over the pavilion and the areas around it, transforming it into a very beautiful tropical garden! It was picture perfect, and just the way Pippa envisioned her wedding to be.
Mommy Marianne sat closely with her balae and college friend Virgie, and her husband Colin, as they happily watched their children beautifully moving on the dance floor, with eyes only for each other. Both of them, while in college never thought that one day, their children will end up married to each other! But they were ecstatic that it happened. Seeing the happiness and the love between Pippa and Ethan, they couldn’t ask for more.
Mommy Marianne also wished then that her Tommy can see their daughter at that moment. She looked radiant. Her son-in-law, so handsome and looking so very much in love with her daughter. Mommy Marianne knew, doubly so that her daughter is in good hands. A mother couldn’t asked for more. Indeed, she had gotten a son in Ethan.
Virginia Bowman clutched her husband’s hand tightly as they, too, were very happy that Ethan has finally found a love that will last forever. After what their son had experienced almost a year before, they were very glad that he had bounced back and found true and lasting happiness in the arms of the lovely girl he had met unexpectedly. Love and happiness had found their son and they couldn’t ask for more. They just hope and pray that Allison will find the same happiness and love as what her brother had found with Pippa! Meeting Pippa and learning that their son was engaged to be married was the best news they have received since their son informed them that he was finally coming home after several months of disappearing in Asia! Now, this! Their happiness is complete.
Three months after they got engaged, Pippa and Ethan finally had the wedding of their dreams! Her cousin Belle was Pippa’s maid of honor. Werner was Ethan’s best man. Isabel, Pippa’s business partner in the production house she formed after returning from England, was also part of the entourage. Some of Pippa’s friends at her old work also made it to the wedding, combining it with a vacation to Pippa’s family resort. Tristan and his clinic partner, Joshua were also in attendance, together with their ‘heartbroken’ nurses, Susan and Marita, teasing Ethan that their heart will not recover, seeing that he is married. Ethan and Pippa laughed at their antics. Tristan was part of the wedding entourage as well. Colin, from Ethan and Werner’s company was also there with his Filipina girlfriend, and Ethan’s close friends from England, Robert and Timothy!
Ethan’s family from Davao also attended – his Uncle Michael, Aunt Minerva and several other aunts and uncles, and Melissa, who like Ally, was a bridesmaid. It was a good thing, Allison made it to the wedding, having just had a vacation several months before! She went back to England ahead of Pippa and Ethan. Ally made it to Mindoro several days after they have return home to tell Pippa’s mom of their engagement and their plans for the future. Pippa also updated her mother on her decision to quit her job and pursue her passion. As with her every endeavor before, she got the support of her mother, who was very, very happy on her engagement to Ethan. When Belle found about their engagement, she was ecstatic too. Tristan was also present when they informed their family and friends in Mindoro and he offered them his sincere congratulations. Ally had a wonderful week in Mindoro. She got along very well with Tristan, Joshua and Belle. When she leaving for England, Joshua, who was going to Manila at the same time for a conference, offered to take her to the airport. Ethan and Pippa promised Ally that they will travel to England as soon as they have manage to arrange things.
Ethan and Pippa finally got to visit the Bowmans in England more than a month after they had been to Mindoro to tell Mommy Marianne that they got engaged. Upon learning that Ethan was engaged to the daughter of her best friend, Virgie Bowman was ecstatic. She insisted on hosting an engagement party for Ethan and Pippa before they return to the Philippines for their family and friends in England who can’t make it to the wedding. She also insisted to Pippa that she would like to help in the planning of her only son’s wedding. So, when Pippa and Ethan went home from their month-long visit in England, the elder Bowmans traveled back to the Philippines with them.
Ethan also met with Claudia’s mother during their first week in England. He wanted to fully close that chapter of his life. She reluctantly agreed to meet him for coffee one afternoon at a neutral place for them after he told her that he would like to give her something that was of great value to Claudia. Pippa offered to come with him, but suggested that she can stay in the background as Claudia’s mum may not like it that Ethan was engaged to be married. Ethan said, it would be better if he does it alone, anyway.
The meeting between Claudia’s mum, Cordelia, and Ethan was cordial, but only lasted less than an hour. Ethan can see that Cordelia was not as composed as she should be when he gave her Claudia’s diary. Ethan hugged Pippa tight after the meeting. While it only lasted a short time, it had drained his energy. Several days after, he was surprised to received a call from Cordelia, asking him to meet again.
Ethan met Cordelia at a coffee shop near the Leicester Square Tube Station. Pippa went with Ally to Notting Hill. The two of them were planning to see what they can buy at the Portobello Road Market. Ethan saw a different Cordelia. She looked broken and sad. He guessed she had read her daughter’s diary. All she asked Ethan, when he sat before her, was to forgive her and to thank her for taking care of her daughter. She also said that she had hoped that one day she can forgive herself to what she had done to her daughter. Ethan softly told her that he hopes she will find peace one day. He said goodbye to her several minutes after. He and Pippa went to where Claudia was buried afterwards and offered a prayer for her and the baby. He felt so much lighter after they have done so. He was completely at peace, especially, he has the life he was making with Pippa to look forward to.
The rest of Pippa and Ethan’s stay in England was spent playing tourists in London and in nearby areas. One of the most memorable moments that Pippa and Ethan treasure was their London Eye ride. They kissed when they reached the top amid the magnificent scenery before them. It also reminded them of their Star City Ferris Wheel ride and their declaration of feelings for each other then. Ethan treated Pippa to a musical also in West End. They also drove around outside London and spent several days in Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. They flew back after several weeks and got busy, only with the wedding, but their new jobs, Ethan in Werner’s company and Pippa with the production company she formed with Isabel. She had also launched her blog and it was well received. Several of her posts even went viral.
“Honey are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Pippa whispered to Ethan as they took one last twirl around as the music was ending.
“What?” Ethan asked, smiling, looking at the part of the pavilion where her gaze was, his brows knitted in curiosity.
Pippa pointed to where Tristan was sitting. He was scowling and the object of his displeasure was Belle, who was laughing hard at what Werner said. Pippa noticed it when they were rehearsing for the wedding. Werner was very attentive to Belle and he was very charming. He made Belle laughed a lot. She also noticed Tristan looking intently at Belle, but Belle was refusing to look at him. She tried asking her cousin several times if she and Tristan had a misunderstanding or something, but she changed the topic every time she asked. Pippa stopped prying. She felt that something happened to her cousin and their friend in between the time she and Ethan were in Northern Luzon and in England. It became obvious when they were planning the wedding. Belle was barely talking to Tristan, despite the fact that he seemed to want to talk to her. That evening, it was obvious that Tristan didn’t like Belle flirting with Werner. In fact, he looked very jealous. Pippa noticed that he had been looking at Belle closely, and there was that kiss after the bouquet and garter ceremony. It was Belle who caught the flowers and it was Tristan who got the garter. After he had put the garter on Belle’s leg, he looked at her with so much intent, then to hers and everyone’s surprise, he kissed her on the lips. Belle blushed and looked at Tristan with an unguarded expression, before she took on a neutral expression, then after a smile that seemed force, she went back to where Ally and other bridesmaids were sitting. Tristan walked away sadly, but with a determined expression on his face.
“Oh!” Ethan said, smiling. “Playing matchmaker, honey?”
“Hahahaha, this is looking very interesting, indeed!” Pippa said. “Parang alam ko na kung sino ang susunod na ikakasal sa atin! Though parang may hindi tayo alam. But I have a very good feeling about this two!”
Ethan nodded. “I think I agree with you on this dear wife! Pero parang marami pang kailangang gawin si Doc Tristan to win Belle’s heart. I wish him all the luck.”
The two of them shared a smile, then kissed as the music ended. They bowed to their guests. The end of their first dance was also the signal for everyone to go on the dance floor. When Pippa and Ethan were returning to their table, they caught a glimpse of Werner beating Tristan in asking Belle to dance. They smiled.
The party lasted for several hours more. Pippa and Ethan said goodbye to their families and guests late afternoon. They will fly to Palawan via a helicopter that was also part of the gift of Pippa’s godmother Evelyn to them aside from a week’s stay in her beautiful island vacation home. They have thanked Evelyn Romero, and her husband Raymond, earlier for their very generous gift to them.
“Pippa, Ethan, ingat kayo mga anak and enjoy your honeymoon.” A teary-eyed Marianne Montenegro told the newly weds, hugging them one after the other. “Ethan, take care of my daughter ha.”
“Yes, Mom, I will.” Ethan promised Marianne.
“Mom. don’t cry na. Akala ko pa naman tapos na iyan sa church.” Pippa teased her mother. “I love you very much.”
“I love you very much too, anak, and ikaw rin Ethan. Tears of joy naman ito mga anak. I am still having a hard time believing that my daughter has finally found her prince.” Mommy Marianne said, smiling happily at her daughter and son-in-law.
“Balae, I know the feeling. I’m happy too that my son has found his princess.” Mummy Virgie told everyone. “Enjoy your honeymoon, Pippa, Ethan. Don’t worry about us. Marianne and I, with your Dad, Ethan, are planning to take a trip up North as well, doon sa mga lugar na pinuntahan ninyo. Ally is joining us I think. Napag-usapan namin kagabi. We would like to see the place where Ethan proposed to you Pippa.”
“Talaga po! I’m sure you will like it there, Mum, Dad. I’m so glad also Mom that you are taking a vacation.” Pippa said happily.
“O sige, Ethan, Pippa, lumakad na kayo and baka gabihin pa kayo.” Mommy Marianne said.
Ethan and Pippa finally made it to the chopper a round of hugs and goodbye to their well-wishers. They arrived at the beautiful island as the sun was setting. They were welcomed by the caretakers and it seemed like another surprise was waiting for them. The whole place was filled with flowers and decorated with colorful lanterns.The place was fit for an unforgettable honeymoon. It was like stepping into their own private paradise.
Ethan carried Pippa over the threshold of the place after the thanking the caretakers and assuring them that they don’t need anything for the night. Manang Maring and Manong Banong told them that they will just be at their small hut at the far edge of the property should they need anything.
“Sa wakas, Mrs. Bowman,” he said with a silly, naughty and teasing grin. “Here we are!”
“Yes, my husband, here we are! Imagine, parang kailan lang I saw you chopping wood at my mother’s yard.” Pippa smiled at the memory, remembering that the first thing she noticed was Ethan without a shirt on. “Akalain mo ba naman!
“Hmmm, parang alam ko na ang ibig sabihin ng smile na iyan. Remembering that scene, parang I felt I was ogled as someone took a sip of Coke.” He teased. “Admit it, Pippa darling.”
“Hahahahaha, guilty. You looked so handsome kaya! Kahit na broken-hearted ako noon, I still have eyes.”
Ethan grinned, then cupped Pippa’s face. “And you looked so very lovely my darling, standing there, with legs that went on forever. My heart is so full that you are mine now. I never thought that I will feel this happy in almost a year after the most devastating thing that had happened to me.”
“Me too, Ethan. after the heartache, here I am, so well-loved by you. I love you very much so.” Pippa caressed Ethan’s beloved face.
Ethan lowered his lips to Pippa and gave her a searing kiss. Pippa kissed him back with all the love and desire she was feeling for her husband. Both of them thought at long last, here they were, in their wedding night! The kiss turned into more intense kisses, the desire they have ignited in each other turning into a conflagration. Ethan carried Pippa to the big bed, strewn with roses, laid her gently and started undressing her, slowly and maddeningly. He kissed every spot he had uncovered, sending volts of desire into Pippa’s. When he managed to remove every stitch of clothing, he looked hotly and with so much love at his beautiful bride, who also looked at him with eyes glazed with desire, and with all the love she was feeling. He undressed slowly and when he had shed off all his clothes, he joined his wife on the bed and proceeded to love her gently, taking in consideration her innocence. They loved throughout most of the night and indeed, it was worth the wait. They only stopped when sleep beckoned and they can’t ignore it anymore. Ethan covered his and Pippa naked and sated bodies with a beautiful embroidered blanket he found at the foot of the bed. They slept for the first time as husband and wife, as close as two person could be.
Pippa was woken up with searing kisses the following morning. She smiled and looked at her handsome and wonderful husband with so much love. They shared a look and before long, they were kissing each other with abandon, wanting to satisfy the passion that ignited between them again. Ethan wanted to be gentle as Pippa might still be sore for all the beautiful loving they did the night before, but Pippa will have none of it. She took the initiative and their lovemaking was more explosive than the first time they came together. More than two hours later, they finally got out bed as they can’t ignore their hunger anymore. Pippa made them an omelette, just like the first evening they shared a meal. They went for a swim after their leisurely brunch.
Ethan and Pippa expressed their love for each other in every way they could in the days and night they have spent in that beautiful, secluded island. They were like in a world of their own.
“I love you very much, my darling.” Ethan whispered to Pippa as they sat on a blanket by the beach, watching the sun set the day before they returned to Manila. “I will love you until my last breath.”
“I love you very much too, honey. I will do the same. I will love no other. I’m looking forward to a lifetime as your partner and beloved wife.” Pippa said emotionally as she reclined against her husband’s chest.
Pippa turned and the two of them shared another smouldering kiss as the sun was setting. When the sun was but a small disc on the horizon, they returned to the house to have dinner and the night was spent loving each other again in every possible way. Both of them knew even then that it will always be like this for them for the rest of their lives. Indeed, both of them were very lucky to find a love that would last a lifetime, unexpectedly!
Note: With this, I finally found my groove again, I think. 🙂 Sorry for just ‘disappearing’. I had writer’s block for some reason! I kept myself busy in the meantime (I also needed to help out my sister with her house moving), hoping to get out of it. Hopefully, I did! I have started working on the last part of On the Street Where You Live as well.
This ends Pippa and Ethan’s story, which is special to me too as this is my first non-RM fiction. Thank you very much for reading this as well, and supporting my other works. Next will be Doc Tristan’s and Belle’s story in Unrequited Love. Thank you very much, again, for the support. ❤
Beyond Forever – Chapter 4
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on August 6, 2015
Chapter 4
June 20, 1966
I woke up bright and early the following day despite the fact that it was already past two o’clock in the morning when I managed to fall asleep. I dreamed about Maya, that she and I were in a beautiful garden. We were sitting in a swing in the middle of the garden filled with all kinds of flowers and there was a nearby meadow. It looked like how I imagined paradise would be. We were so happy and so in love! We kissed and held hands as we marveled at the beauty around us and enjoyed our private moment. I woke up with a big smile. My heart sang! I felt exhilarated, like I was on the top of the world, like I have climbed Mount Everest and was marveling at God’s amazing work before me! The fact that I will see her again that day, aside from the beautiful dream I had, made me feel that way.
I didn’t have to wait long. Maya arrived one hour later, bringing breakfast with her. With a lovely smile, she told me it was the least she could do for the help I gave her the day before, and for the dinner. She brought champorado and tuyo, which she told me, she cooked herself, as well as fresh fruits, and coffee in a big thermos. She admitted that she too, woke up early despite the fact that, like me, she was unable to sleep promptly the night before. I remarked that maybe, she was not used to the quietness of the place, or the roar of the waves when the wind was very strong. She just looked at me, unable to answer, but I can see that she was blushing. I guessed, I was not the only one who was unable to sleep because of our meeting and the wonderful time we had. I really wished then that she had dreamed about me, too.
Maya and I set up the breakfast at the veranda overlooking the beach that our properties shared together at the moment. Our houses were the only ones there. The nearest neighbors were around two kilometers away on the East side, or before Maya’s family’s beach house. It was a beautiful, quiet morning. It felt like she and I were in our own private world, with the vast blue sea to look at.
In between enjoying our very nice breakfast, Maya and I talked about our families and common interests. We had a lot in common, we found out. We both like to have a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, reading books, watching movies. She loves Audrey Hepburn, and I on other hand, likes Alfred Hitchcock movies, Sean Connery and his James Bond films, among other things. We both like movie musicals. I also told her I don’t mind watching romance films, like the ones Hepburn had starred with. She was happy to know that. She also prefers her company than attending parties.
I asked Maya how she got started as an artist. She told me that it was just a hobby for her, really. She had learned from a family friend. She told me that she felt like she was in a different world when she holds a brush and put paints on her canvas, translating her imagination into vivid colors, shapes and images. She transports there whatever she feels in her heart. I told her that she had a very wonderful talent, and I can say that, even if I have only saw one of her works, so far! She blushed and thanked me softly. She asked me what I would like to do in my spare time. I told her my life revolves around the family business and that takes most of my time. However, I also found myself confessing to her that I would like to write novels, short stories, poem, the likes. She encouraged me to do, and I just smiled at her, for that dream, at that moment was beyond my grasp. Duty to the family rules my life, especially at that time that my father was in poor health.
We continued talking most of the morning. Manong Berting and Manang Felicing had arrived from the market, but seeing, that, I was already having my breakfast with Maya, they told me that they will just be in their kubo at the edge of the property. I gathered that they wanted to give me and Maya privacy. We took care of the dishes, despite my insistence that the caretakers can take care of those afterwards.
Instead of painting that day, Maya and I just took a walk at the beach, chatting and at times, silently staring at the vast, blue sea. We returned to the beach house when it got too hot. Manang Felicing made a very sumptuous lunch for us, local dishes, which she told us with a big smile, we must sample. While we were eating our lunch, I asked Maya if she would like to take a short trip to the nearest town with me, climb the bell tower and the lighthouse there, as well as go inside the beautiful centuries-old church. She said, she would love to. I told Manong Berting to get the car ready. He offered to drive us, but I told him, I can manage. He just gave us directions. I wanted to spend the rest of the day alone with Maya. We stopped by her house to inform Fe where we will be, and to drop off Maya’s painting and painting materials. Fe said she will prepare dinner for us, and I must sample her cooking too.
It was a lovely afternoon spent with Maya, something firmly etched in my mind, like the many photographs in my head of the beautiful moments I have spent with her. In town, we also found a photo studio, and I asked her if we can have several photos, as a memento of our time there, and she agreed. The photographer promised to send us the copies of the photos, or he said, I can have Manong Berting pick it up in several days. We returned to Maya’s beach house as twilight was setting in. Fe prepared a feast for us. She had left us alone after serving us dinner.
We had coffee in the veranda after our wonderful dinner. Maya’s family’s house looks more inviting than the one my father had built. It was made of hardwood, narra and some others I couldn’t identify right away, and the design was similar to the beautiful bahay na bato we have seen in town earlier, but more open and airier. It had a nice, lived-in look, which is strange as like ours, it was only being used, Maya said, as a vacation home.
It was already late at night when I returned to my house. While about to get into the car, I told Maya softly that I had a wonderful time with her again. She told me that also had a great time. We gazed at each other. There were only us and that moment, no past, no present, and yes, no future. We existed only on our awareness of each other. I felt my heart skipping several beats. I can’t help myself, I touched and caressed her lovely face as I said good night and sweet dreams to her. She looked at me with her very expressive eyes and gave me a smile that lit up her whole face as she bade me good night, touching my hand as well. I smiled back at her, not wanting to part with her yet. Yes, we have been together practically the whole day, but I felt like the day passed like a blur. I savored my every moment with her!
With a promise that we will see each other again the following day, by the beach after breakfast, we reluctantly bade each other good night for the last time, that night. Just like the night before, I have dreamed of Maya and I. But this time, we were walking down the beach, hand in hand under a full moon. We kissed and professed our love for each other as the moon’s glow bathed us.
I found Maya at her usual place at the beach when I walked there the following morning, bringing with me sunflowers that I had requested Manong Berting to find for me. In one of our conversations the day before, Maya mentioned that sunflower is her favorite flower. She told me, it is her happy flower, as it always seeks the sun, the brightness, and that she felt happy by just looking at it. Maya also said that she had asked their gardener in Manila to plant those as well, even if they grow very fast and overtakes and overwhelms all the other flowers! It was funny, Manong Berting confessed to me that he had to get it from a garden of someone he knows in the barrio as he knew there is nowhere he would be able to buy it. They cut the flowers from more than ten plants, with him promising his kumare that he owes her. He returned to the house with a triumphant smile, holding the flowers. I was sure, Manong Berting’s and Manang Felicing’s heads were full of questions, but prudently, they didn’t say anything. In fact, they looked like they were happy seeing me with Maya. They didn’t know that I was not free to love Maya anymore. In Maya’s presence, I set that aside in my head, wanting to ride the heady feeling I feel when I’m with her. I never felt like this and I wanted to experience it to the fullest.
Like the first time I have seen her, Maya was engrossed at what she was doing. However, instead of an easel , she had with her a sketchbook. I called her name. She turned and gave me a brilliant smile that lit up my morning in an instant and made my heart galloped. I gave her the flowers and Maya thanked me profusely, grinning. She was so happy with her flowers. She gave me a thermos of coffee, which she said, she brewed from the beans, harvested in their farm in Batangas. She noticed, she said that I have enjoyed it the day before. I thanked her for it and for being very thoughtful and observant.
While both of us were enjoying the coffee, the cool breeze blowing from the sea in the not so hot Wednesday morning, sitting on the inabel blanket she had brought with her to sit on, we talked about all topics we could think of. I noticed again the sketchbook, which she had set on the side when she greeted me, and asked her about it. Was she planning to start another project?
Maya smiled. She told me that she would like to give me a painting of hers. But she would like to paint me, me to pose for her! I smiled and asked her teasingly, if it will be like in art school where a nude model poses in front of the students. I told her, grinning, that I don’t have the body for it.
Maya laughed, and it was like music to my ears. She has this lilting laugh that I would not get tired of hearing, even if I live to be a hundred and hard on hearing. She touched my face gently, and turned me sideways. Her innocent touch sent an electric current through me. Her hands were very soft and the way she was looking at me intently, I became self-conscious! I know she had no other intent except to look at me as an artist, but still, she had that effect on me!
She then told me, that I would certainly made a very good artist model, and she was pretty sure that all the lady students will have a hard time sketching with me before them, she didn’t intent to paint me in the nude. She continued by saying that I have a very handsome, interesting face, especially when I laugh and my eyes disappear into tiny slits and I show my lopsided smile. I smiled at her, blushing a bit. Yes, I did, blushed!
Maya asked me to pose for her by the beach. She said, it will be her remembrance to me. I actually felt both happy and sad when she said that. But at that time, I didn’t really want to dwell on the fact that at some point we will have to part or do something about our situation, with what we were feeling for each other. I wanted to bury my head in the sand. I didn’t want to dwell beyond the moment and the wonderful time I was having with her.
I posed and she sketched until the sun got intense and we sought the coolness of the beach house’ terrace. I asked Maya if I could see what she had worked on so far. She smiled but she refused to do so, said she wanted me to be surprised at the finished product. Maya and I shared a lunch again. At my invitation, she spent the afternoon at the beach house. She sketched most of the afternoon, and I, on the other hand, just read a book. We talked occasionally, but in most part, we shared a companionable silence. I felt such contentment that I had wished then that it will be like this for always!
When the sun was setting, we walked along the beach. I took hold of her hand while we were doing so, and she didn’t protest. We shared gazes and happy smiles. There was no need to put into words the happiness both of us were obviously feeling at that moment. We found a log where we sat, and watched the sun’s last burst of colors as it set for the night. When the sun was but a small disc in the horizon, I took her home. She invited me to dinner and I agreed, as I was reluctant to part with her for the night.
While Fe was preparing our dinner, Maya and I sat in the veranda, enjoyed the cooling night as we sipped a glass of white wine each and gazed at each other. Fe broke into our private world half an hour later, saying that dinner was ready. Maya and I enjoyed our third dinner together very much. It was another perfect day. I returned to my house, by the beach, humming a love song. For the third night, I felt wonderful and dreamed of Maya, but this one was different from the other ones!
Note: Chapter 5 used to be part of this Chapter. Hence the comments for that are here. Please see the Richard and Maya index under Library for the revised chapters!
I’m still here! :-)
My favorite form of relaxation! Having a cup of coffee, by the window of a cafe/restaurant! 🙂
This has been one of the longest periods that I haven’t written anything! My apologies! I took a quick break, and will resume writing this evening! I hope I will have something for you before the weekend. Which of my stories would you like me to update first? 🙂
Thank you very much, again, for the support. Good vibes always!
❤ Antigone ❤
Beyond Forever – Chapter 2
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 27, 2015
Chapter 2
June 20, 1966
It has been a year today, since I last saw her beautiful face – the face that still haunts my dreams, occupies my thoughts, and inhabits my soul. My one and only love, and I had to let her go! I had nothing to offer her. I already belong to someone else when we met. My head tells me that we did the right thing, but it didn’t lessen the pain in my heart, parting with her after our beautiful time together.
I felt like my heart was wrenched from my body when I saw her getting into the car to be as far away from me as possible, as the two of us cannot be. I felt like I have died a thousand times as I watched her walked away from me forever. I thought I will not survive. I got physically sick after I have returned to Manila two days after she left me. My family thought I caught something in Ilocos. My wife Alexandra called the family doctor, but he, too, was puzzled at what ailed me. They never knew, they never realized that what ailed me cannot be cured by medicine, by science. I was heartsick! I stayed like that for a week, too weak to move, wanting to die, unaware of what was happening around me, except this intense pain in my heart. Then I picked myself up after my five-year old son, hugged me as I laid in my bed, whispering to me to please get well soon. She wouldn’t want to see me like that also. I do have responsibilities and duties to my family. They never knew. One week after we parted, I forced myself to put up a brave front, a facade, hiding to people around me the hell I was living without her. But the loneliness comes in when I am alone or when I am about to close my eyes for the night, wondering how is she. Does she thinks about me too? Does she remembers our time together? I hope she is faring much better. I don’t want her to be heartsick too.
Days, weeks, months passed with me going through the motion, alive but not living! And now a year it is since parted, but I missed her with all my being, especially so today, the missing is so acute, wondering if she is okay, my love for her as strong as when the first time I realized that I love her with all of me. Is she happy with her husband? Yes, I have heard that the one and only woman I love, Maria Eulalia Dela Rosa, my beautiful and talented Maya, has gotten married to her fiance, Jaime Ventura early this month. Seeing the pictures of the society wedding in the copies of the Philippine newspapers that Papa insisted on having even if we are living here in America, was like putting a serrated knife to my still bleeding heart.
This morning, when I woke, knowing what the date is, the first thing I thought was her and our parting. I felt like I wanted to die. I felt like my head will explode. I needed to do something to let out all that I feel or else, I would just probably fell and have a heart attack at a very young age! If that happens, it would mean leaving my wife Alexandra a young widow and my son Richard, ‘Richie’, a fatherless boy, at his very young age. They were innocent in this. Sandra does not know, does not have an inkling that someone else owns my heart. Whilst ours was not a love match, she had been a good wife to me. If I can’t love her the way she wanted or needed to be love, the least I could do is to be faithful to her and be with her as I have promised to do so when we entered into this marriage instigated by our parents. There is also Richie to think of. The boy is growing up fast and he looks like my miniature.
I got out of bed with a heavy heart. I went straight to my office at home. I can’t go to work today, knowing my mind and heart will not be there. I saw this blank journal, a gift from Rafaela. She is not only the cousin I am closest to, she is also a very dear friend to me. I think, she has an inkling that something ails me, seriously. She told me softly and cryptically, that maybe, one day, it will help me deal with everything, when she gave me that journal last Christmas. She caught me staring into space several times. Rafaela also knew that I secretly wanted to be a writer. That had I not been saddled with running the family business, I would have preferred to be a writer! Running the business, which Papa was grooming me since I was young, was not really what I wanted, but he vehemently objected the one and only time I have brought up to him that I wanted to be like Nick Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose, Francisco Arcellena, N.V.M Gonzales or Jose Garcia Villa! He told me, it was not for me as my duty is with my family, being his only son!
So, here I am, hoping to ease my pain by writing about her, and remembering our wonderful time together instead of the sorrow of our parting. Would it really be cathartic if I do so? Would I will be able to handle the onslaught of emotions once I started putting into paper, making it tangible, that wonderful time with her? I hope so. I want to try to keep me sane. Maybe, I should just think that I can look again at this journal when I’m old and gray, and the memory is fading, and remember that once in my life, I have loved with all of my being, starting that beautiful June afternoon.
I went to Ilocos to check on the house my father had built at the beach property he bought several years ago. Papa said that the workers have finished the house and I should check if everything is okay. He insisted on it and if something gets into his head, he will not stop asking me about it until I have done what he wanted. But truth be told, I jumped at the chance as I have been feeling restless before that. I had what everyone will call the perfect life – a thriving business, a beautiful and wonderful wife whom while I don’t love, but respects very much, an intelligent and sweet son, and yet there is an empty space inside me that yearns to be filled with what, I didn’t know! Forgive me for sounding ungrateful with all the blessings I have, but I was bored with everything, with the sameness of things, and how perfect my life seemed to be. I was living, but I don’t feel much! Even so, I never thought, I never had an inkling, that my life would change drastically by taking that plane to a place I never thought of going. That by doing another of the things Papa told me to do, I would find my one true love, and that the empty space would be filled to the brim, and will be so much emptier afterwards, when everything came to an end.
I first caught a glimpse of Maya when I took a walk the day after I arrived at the beach house. She was wearing a hat, an artist’s smock over her blouse, and leggings, an easel before her. I only caught a partial view of her, but my heart jumped for no reason at all when I caught that glimpse of her. Seeing that she was too concentrated on what she was doing and I might disturb her concentration, I walked away after staring at her beautiful and graceful profile for several minutes. I needed to make sense, too, of my instant reaction to her. I also wondered if seeing her face to face, would I still feel the same lurch? Will my heart skipped a beat again.
Yes I did! My heart did. I managed to confirm that the following day. I was out walking again, when suddenly, it started to rain. I saw Maya at the same spot she was in the day before, which was near our beach house than the one before us, which I had correctly assumed, was where she was staying. When I got home the day before I asked our property’s caretakers if someone is living in the beach house before us, and they told me that the daughter of the owner was there, alone, been staying there for over a week since before I arrived. I saw that Maya, as I would come to know her, also realized that it had started to rain. Whatever was on the canvas was done and was just drying I guessed at that time. She was calculating on how best to save her work, when I approached her. Our eyes met and connected. Time stood still and we were elevated into a plane that only the two of us existed for several long seconds. The big droplets coming from the skies startled us. I grabbed her canvas carefully, then told her to run with me to the beach house as it was nearer than her place.
The deluge came several minutes after we have reached the veranda. We were both out of breath, but laughing, triumphant that we beat the rain and saved her work. She had a smile that lit up her beautiful face. I stared at her and caught my breath. She was very lovely, with her heart-shaped face, doe eyes fringed with long lashes and pouty lips curved into an uninhibited smile. She noticed me looking at her. I flushed. She blushed. I introduced myself. She told me that her name is Maya, followed by a teasing smile, then said to me, that no, she was not named after the bird, the Maya! I smiled at her. I asked her to come inside the house and have a cup of coffee with me until the rains stop, and she can tell me all about her name. She graciously agreed even if I was a complete stranger to her. The truth was I wanted to prolong my time with her. I wanted to get to know her better. I was drawn to her from the beginning. My heart felt so light and happy, just being with her. Strange isn’t it, to feel that you know someone a lot, when you just met! That you experienced a certain pull towards this person, who in reality is a stranger to you. That there was just something in that person, that calls to you. Soulmates? Reincarnation? Knowing each other in a past life? I don’t know! I never believed in those, but how do I explain the instant connection I felt with Maya?
We sat in the arm chairs, by the big floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the beach, and over a cup of steaming coffee, we got to know each other. Maya told me that the beach house where she was staying belonged to her mother’s family, the Dela Pazes, and that she is there because she wanted to grieve alone. Her beloved mother Conchita, passed away a month before that. As the days passed by, Maya told me, the grief intensified. It started to sink in that her mother was really gone. Her father suggested that maybe a change of scene would be good for her and suggested that she visits the house in Ilocos with Fe, their loyal kasambahay, the daughter of her Yaya Nitang. She asked me to what my reason for being there. I told her I was just checking the property for my father.
So lost in getting to know each other, we didn’t realize that the rains had stopped, and that the day had turned into night as we continued chatting, getting to know each other, as if we needed to know everything about each other, unable to stop ourselves, even if we knew that we were not free to explore what we were feeling for each other, then. The fact that I’m married and has a little boy, and her engagement to a scion of one of the most prominent families in the country came into our conversation also. I didn’t realize before then that she was the fiancée of Jaime Ventura, whom I met in a party before, but never really know. We moved in the same circles, but we were not friends, and I have only met him once. Even then, I had this thought that he is very lucky to be having Maya for a wife, and learning that she was engaged to be married, I felt like a giant hand squeezed my heart,
I asked Maya about her painting. She stood up, got it, and showed it to me. I don’t know art, but even to my untutored eyes, I can see that she is very good. She had captured our house, the beach and the mountain beyond it, vividly, vibrantly! When I told her that she is very talented, she told me that it was just a hobby! She was not sure if she will offer her work to a gallery like a friend has been asking her to do. I told her that I will be the first one to buy her work should she decide to exhibit it. She laughed and told me, that maybe, she can just do a painting for me if I am staying long in the beach house. I told her that I was originally planning on being there for five days, but I can extend, since I haven’t had a vacation in a long time.
Maya stayed for dinner at my insistence since it was already a bit late. I just sent Manong Berting to tell Fe that Maya was staying for dinner. It was one of the best dinners of my life! Seeing her so happy, so animated while telling me one anecdote after the other, sharing me her hopes and dreams, made me felt very happy too. She caught me staring at her several times. Each time, she would blushed and get flustered. After dinner and dessert, I walked Maya back to her house through the beach. We opted to leave her painting and her painting materials in my house as it was already dark and it might rain again. For my part, I was glad as it would mean I will see her again. We chatted like two people who have known each other for a long time as we walked. I took her until the gate and declined her invitation to come in. I waited until she was inside before returning to the beach house.
That night I was unable to sleep. I tossed and turned, with thoughts of Maya filling my head. I knew I was not free to feel what I knew I was feeling for her even then, but I can’t help myself. That feeling was so strong, so overwhelming and I was unable to fight it. How could I fight something that made me feel so alive for the first time? Something that made my heart sing? I went to bed, with the thought that I will see her again the following day…..
Note: The revision I’m doing started here. I moved the ‘Present’ part of this chapter to the new Chapter 3. Please see the Richard and Maya index under Library for the revised chapters! Thanks.
Be Careful With My Heart DVD Covers
Posted by Antigone in Be Careful With My Heart Library, DVD Guide, Information, Interests on July 25, 2015
My introduction to Be Careful With My Heart (BCWMH) was through the first five DVDs that I got hold of, in the early part of 2013, I think. It was, like, love at first watch!
From then on, aside from religiously watching the episodes, I was always on the look out for the release of the succeeding DVDs so I can watch the episodes again and again, at leisure. I, still, am!
When I got hold of the latest DVDs, Volume 46 and 47, the first thing that I noticed is that Volume 46 has another beautiful cover. With that, I just thought of doing a catalog of the covers, as part of the show’s wonderful journey.
It has been almost eight months since Be Careful With My Heart has ended but with these DVDs, I can still travel to my BCWMH universe anytime, especially when I need my feel good fix. I am now in Volume 26 of my current rewind (my nth one)! Sir Chief is namamanhikan in San Nicolas, and will get ‘cute drunk’ in a while! ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 24
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 23, 2015
Chapter 24
It was already past midnight, and yet, Maya and Richard were still very much awake! Who would be able to sleep, or feel sleepy at all, after that wonderful and momentous evening! Engaged! Maya was still having a hard time believing that she and Richard are about to marry! Their being together was ten years in the making, but it was worth it, so very much! There is really no fighting destiny, Maya thought to herself, as she and Richard enjoyed their first private moment after they got engaged. Her belief that if you are destined to be together with that one person you will share your life with, then fate will find a way for the two of you to be together, was affirmed with what happened to her and Richard. Their journey towards their forever took a long time, but finally they have started it that evening in her beloved most romantic place!
From La Casa Antigua, Maya and Richard, with their loved ones returned to the most romantic place as everyone wanted to see the special place where Richard had proposed to Maya earlier in the evening. It was a bit late for the kids to be still up but they let them as it was a special occasion. Besides, they doubted if the kids too, will be able to sleep early with all the excitement they have had for the day, from their special plane ride to Mindoro, to the engagement dinner in an ancestral homes, and the trip to this special place.
The most romantic place was still brightly lit as per Richard’s instructions to Emman. The musicians also returned with them to provide entertainment should they wish to continue the party there! Upon seeing the replica of a ballroom, even Doris who planned the whole thing with Emman, was amazed at what he had accomplished in such a short time! The grown-ups were all amazed at the length Richard went to, just to be able to give Maya a beautiful and surely, a very unforgettable marriage proposal!
Emman was peppered with questions on how he was able to accomplish the feat in such a short time. He told everyone that his experience in the theater helped him a lot and he got in contact with a production group that makes props for shows. He said, it was easy to accomplish everything as Mr. Lim gave them the carte blanche to design the ballroom after telling him of his idea, and Maya’s love for bodice-ripper novels.
Emman also said, teasing Richard a bit, that when expense is not a problem, it is easy to do things fast! Richard flushed a bit when Maya teased him about it. But knowing everything he did to accomplish this, for her, filled her with so much happiness! She whispered a thank you to Richard again and while everyone was scrutinizing the make-shift ballroom, gave him a quick, but searing kiss.
Richard smiled and whispered that if that is what he will get, every time he would do something nice for Maya, then he would to do it all the time. Maya quipped back, that he can surely have that, and more! Richard smiled naughtily and whispered something in Maya’s ears that made her blushed. They were lost in their own world and their whispering, that they didn’t notice right away that Emman was finished explaining the design he did for the place. Manang Fe, nudged Richard. He and Maya shared a smile, flushing amid the teasing of their guests!
The whole party stayed in the place for an hour more. The kids played with the flowers and the decor, with Sabel and Lea watching over them. The adults chatted, and danced a bit when the orchestra played the waltz again. Doris’ father asked Nanay Tessie to partner with him. Simon then asked Doris. Maya’s Tito Rollie asked Manang Fe. Emman asked Manang Maring. Mely, playfully partnered with Abby and Lance, and Sabel with Lea. With Maya and Richard in the center, they all took a spin around the ballroom, laughing and dancing to their heart’s content. Before they left the place, they posed for pictures. Maya and Richard, their hearts overflowing with happiness, thanked everyone who have been a part of that momentous occasion.
When the party ended, Doris said she and Lance, with Lea, will just stay with her father, so they can also visit him until they leave the following day. Nanay Tessie insisted that Manang Fe, Abby and Sabel can stay in the Dela Paz’ ancestral house. Nanay Tessie assured Manang Fe that there was enough room for everyone and that Manang Maring had already prepared a bedroom for them. She said there was even an extra room, aside from they have prepared since Maya was staying in her. Abby can have Maya’s room if she sleeps alone. Richard said that Abby can stay with him. However, Abby had a different idea in mind. She asked her father if she can stay with her new ‘Mommy’ and Lola Nanay Teresita. Nanay Tessie assured Richard it was perfectly okay for Abby to stay with Maya and her as the bed is enough for the three of them.
Richard was surprised at his daughter’s request. At times, Abby was slow to warm to people she just met, but that was not the case with Maya, and now Nanay Tessie! He was happy, of course, at what he is seeing and he couldn’t ask for more. He was very happy seeing his future bride, his future mother-in-law, and his precious daughter bonding together this well!
When they arrived at Maya’s house, Manang Fe and Sabel went promptly to bed, tired from their trip, after Richard and Maya told them they will just take care of Abby. Nanay Tessie and Manang Maring went to the kitchen to double-check if everything was in order for the breakfast the following day. Maya and Richard went to the room that Maya was sharing with her mother and put Abby to sleep. It didn’t take long, as soon as Abby was in the bed, and after she had asked for kisses and hugs from her Daddy and her new Mommy, she was in sleep land. She also them that she was very, very happy before she closed her eyes! Maya and Richard looked at her lovingly, touched by the little’s girl’s acceptance and happiness at their engagement. From the doorway, Nanay Tessie looked at them happily, getting teary-eyed at the scene before her!
“Maya, Richard, ako na ang bahala kay Abby, kung gusto ninyo munang magkwentuhan.” Nanay Tessie offered as she walked towards Richard and Maya. “Feeling ko naman hindi pa kayo inaantok at sino nga ang aantukin sa pagkaganda-gandang araw nating lahat. Kahit ako, pakiramdam ko, mamaya pa ako makakatulog nito. Bantayan ko na lang muna si Abby habang nagpapaantok.”
“Oo nga po, Nay! Gising na gising pa ang diwa ko.” Maya said, looking at Richard and sharing a loving gaze.
“Samahan ninyo na lang po kami ni Maya, Nay. Magkwentuhan tayo diyan sa sala. Magkape tayo also.” Richard added.
“Next time na lang mga anak, moment ninyo iyan.” Nanay Tessie said smiling. “Since Richard proposed, hindi pa kayo napag-isang ulit, Maya.”
Richard and Maya grinned at Nanay Tessie. Maya hugged her mother. “Nay, maraming salamat po ulit ha.”
“Oo nga po, Nay Tessie, thank you very much for everything.” Richard added.
“Kayo talagang mga bata kayo, walang anuman. Sapat nang makita ko kayong masayang-masaya at maayos itong si bunso ko, Ricky.” Nanay Tessie said, getting teary-eyed again. “O sige na, magkape na kayong dalawa or magpahangin sa azotea. Alam kong paborito ninyong place iyon. Baka magising pa si Abby kung magkukwentuhan pa tayo ng mahaba-haba rito.”
While they were walking towards the kitchen to make coffee, Maya finally got to ask Richard when did he tell her mother about the proposal, kung kailan siya nagpaalam dito. Richard told him the day before, when she went to the kitchen.
“Talaga, sweetheart? Noon?” Maya said, grinning. “Kaya pala si Nanay, bigla na lang akong niyakap ha, tapos kaninang umaga naman, she set up our dinner sa La Casa! May pa-vintage clothes pa ni Mamang! Si Nanay talaga, ang galing ding makipagkutsaba sa iyo, sweetheart. Wala akong nahalata!”
“I was in a hurry nga, sweetheart when I was telling her! Baka kasi bumalik ka na and marinig mo. I wanted to tell your mother muna and ask her permission before I set into motion the final plan. Kaya nga pagkatapos naming mag-usap saka ko lang ulit tinawagan si Doris na go ang proposal ko sa iyo.” Richard said. “I’m very grateful to your mother and her organizational skills, lalo na nang sabihin sa kanya na parating din sina Abby, Manang, Sabel, Doris, Lance and Lea!”
“Pero, sweetheart, I never expected talaga that you will propose this weekend.” Maya confessed, preparing their coffee. “Minsan, sumasagi sa isip ko, pero I thought din na hindi pa since we just started our relationship!”
“I have been thinking about it for a while na, sweetheart. I didn’t want to wait anymore. Tagal na yata nating naghintay! I entertained the thought of doing it in Tagaytay but I shelved that kasi I want to ask Nanay Tessie’s permission first. I don’t like to do it naman over the phone. Hindi pa nga niya ako nakikilala ng personal, magpapaalam ako na gusto kong pakasalan ang anak niya sa phone. I wanted to ask her in person.” Richard said. “Tama naman ang decision ko kasi sinabi mo sa akin na pupunta tayo ng Mindoro this weekend!”
“Really, sweetheart?” Maya asked happily. She never imagined that Richard was planning this proposal that early. Bumalik sa kanya ang mga naging conversation nila about being together when the right time comes! “Sweetheart, thank you for talking to my mother. I know you don’t have to, but I’m glad you did. It made her very happy also. Ako rin, sobra-sobrang kaligayahan talaga ang nararamdaman ko ngayon!”
“It was the right and proper thing to do, sweetheart. Kung alam mo lang, sweetheart, I was very nervous when I asked your mother if I could talk to her!” Richard said, grinning. “ Then noong nasabi ko na sa kanya, I also asked for her help kaya, doon nga sa dinner afterwards.”
“So si Doris, kailan mo naman, kinausap? Ikaw talaga, sweetheart, bilib ako sa iyo. Natutuwa rin kasi alam ko kung gaano ka-busy ang schedule mo.” Maya asked as they walked towards the azotea.
Richard smiled and told Maya about the meeting with Doris that Tuesday afternoon. He also told her that it was Doris who called the jewelry designer for him since short time na nga. Then, he said, Doris took care of the details of setting up the ballroom at the most romantic place with Emman and her father for the logistics. Richard told Maya that Doris also took care of the flight to Mindoro of Manang Fe, Abby and Sabel, pati na rin sila ni Lance.”
“Grabe, I really have a lot to thank my BFF for!” Maya exclaimed upon hearing everything. “Para ko na kasi talagang kapatid iyang si Doris.”
“Yes, I agree sweetheart, you have a very good friend in Doris!”
The two of them were about to get settled in into the rattan settee in a corner of the azotea, when Richard’s phone rang.
“Hello Grace!” Richard greeted his sister when he saw on his phone’s screen that it was her, calling. “Mabuti, inabot mo pa akong gising!”
“Hello Kuya Ricky! I’m so sorry about earlier. I had an emergency at the hospital!” Grace said. “ I have a feeling that with the momentous event in your life, you will not be able to sleep promptly so I called, on the off-chance that yo are still awake, and I’m right. Congratulations Kuya Ricky!!! I’m so happy for you and my sister-in-law to be!!! So, how was the proposal? Can you send me photos!”
Richard smiled at his sister’s exuberant words! During the week, he had called his sister in China and told her that he and Maya are in a relationship. Grace was very happy for her brother and she said, she had an idea that he felt differently for Maya from way back. She was happy, she told him, that he and Maya have found each other again. Richard also told her that he was planning to propose to Maya in Mindoro that weekend. Grace told him that, she better be one of the bridesmaid. Richard’s sister also informed him that she is going home with their parents for a vacation and is looking forward to meeting her sister-in-law-to-be.
“Yes, you are right about that! Heto nga, hindi pa kami dalawin ng antok ni Maya. Thank you, Grace, for calling. Okay lang iyong kanina. I know naman the nature of your job” He said, then he looked at Maya and mouthed to her that it was Grace on the phone. “It was great. The best, Grace and I’m so happy. Of course, I was nervous also, who wouldn’t be!” Richard gave his sister a condensed version of his and Maya’s unforgettable night.
“Kuya Ricky, I never thought that you had it in you! Bow talaga ako. In fairness, Kuya, level up ka na talaga! That was simply amazing! If I was the girl, there was no way I would say no also! Ate Maya is lucky to have your love, and I know you are also lucky that you have hers. Hay, destiny talaga, there’s no fighting it!” Grace said, sighing happily. “I’m so very, very happy for you and Ate Maya! Sayang, hindi ako naka-join sa Skype kanina. I’ll make it up to you guys when I get home. May I speak with my sister-in-law to be, Kuya, so that I can greet her also!”
“Basta for Maya, anything, to make her happy, I will do. Sandali lang ha.” Richard told his sister softly. Then he looked at Maya lovingly. “Maya, sweetheart, my sister would like to speak with you.”
Maya nodded. She took a deep breath. This will be the first time that she will speak with Richard’s sister in more than ten years. “Hello Grace, how are you?”
“Hi Ate Maya, congratulations to you and Kuya Ricky! And congratulations too, a belated one, for topping the bar exams. Kuya Ricky told me about it when he called several days ago.” Grace said happily as soon as she heard Maya’s voice. “I hope it is okay if I call you Ate Maya now ha! I’m so very happy to have a sister! I’m sorry I missed the Skype call! I’m okay, pala. Tired from my long shift at the hospital, but very upbeat pa rin, especially after hearing that you guys are engaged now!”
“Thank you very much, Grace. Ricky and I understand naman.” Maya replied, smiling. “Of course, you can call me Ate Maya. I would be happy to have to a sister. I missed having one.”
“Oo nga pala, sabi ni Kuya, namatay daw iyong sister mo noong time din na nakidnap kami ni Mama.” Grace said. “It must have been a very difficult time for you. I’m so sorry to hear it din, Ate Maya!”
“Thank you Grace. Yes, she did. But I’m sure wherever Ate Cris is, she is happy for Richard and me. But you and your Mama also went through a very traumatic experience that time.” Maya said. “I’m glad that you and Mama are okay.”
“It’s all behind us Ate Maya. At least, Mama and I, we survived it and it made us stronger.” Grace replied. “Naku, let’s not talk about it sa happiest moment ninyo ni Kuya Ricky! Kailan ang wedding? Magbo-volunteer na ako na bridesmaid ha, kung okay lang sa iyo.” Grace added, laughing. “Sorry ha, if I’m way ahead of you and Kuya Ricky.”
“Hahahaha, it’s okay Grace.” Maya said, liking Richard’s sister’s exuberant personality. She is glad her traumatic experience didn’t change that aspect of Grace’s personality. “Of course, bridesmaid ka. As for the wedding, pag-uusapan pa lang namin ng kuya mo.”
“Grace, next week if I have my way!” Richard said in the background, which earned him a pinch from Maya. “Magtatanan na lang kami ni Maya! Kailangan namin ng early start sa half a dozen naming kids!”
“Naku, Grace, don’t listen to your brother.” Maya said, laughing. “I’m sure your Mama and my Nanay will not talk to us anymore if we do that! Itatakwil na kami ng mga mother natin! Actually, pag-uusapan pa namin ng Kuya Ricky mo kung kailan. We will set the date pa nd then he will just inform you, your Mama and Papa!”
“Tama ka diyan, Ate Maya. Excited na nga si Mama na umuwi and to help with the weddng!“ Grace laughed. “Ito talagang si Kuya, hindi naman masyadong nagmamadali ah, madaling-madali lang! Kalahating dosenang kids! Sabagay, ang saya-saya noon, I will have seven pamangkins!”
Maya and Grace laughed at that! Soon after, Grace said goodbye to them. After Maya gave the phone back to Richard, they sat on the rattan settee, with Richard’s arm over Maya’s shoulders and Maya half-reclining against his broad chest, and continued drinking their then cooling coffee, enjoying the night. After a while, Richard took hold of Maya’s left hand.
“Sweetheart, like I have told Grace, if it is up to me, I want us to get married the soonest time possible, kung pwede nga lang talaga, next week na.” Richard said, caressing Maya’s ring finger. “But I want to give you the wedding you deserve, so I can wait. So, when do you think is enough time to plan a wedding that you would like?”
Maya smiled. Aha, Maya thought to herself, impishly, now I know how to return the teasing, Mr. Lim, about the six kids you want to have! She touched Richard’s face, and said poker face. “Hmmm, how about next year, sweetheart?”
“Ha, sweetheart, that long!!!” Richard protested, then said rapidly. “Sweetheart, baka naman pwedeng mas maaga. How about in three months? We can just hire a wedding planner. Doable naman iyon, di ba?”
“Sweetheart….” Maya started, deciding to end her teasing as Richard looked so serious when he said that. However, Richard cut into whatever she was going to say, cupping her face.
“Say yes, sweetheart.” He pleaded. “I said I can wait, pero within a reasonable time frame. I want to be with you the soonest, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart, akala ko ba ako ang bahala Mr. Lim. I just can’t resist teasing you.” Maya laughed, giving him a quick kiss. “Hindi mo ako pinatapos! Sasabihin ko pa naman sa iyo na, hindi ko naman kailangan ang grand wedding. If it is possible nga, I would like to marry you tomorrow. I just want to be with you rin. I don’t need a grand wedding. Ang importante, magkasama na tayo and we will journey together to our forever. I love you very much.”
“Sweetheart, you made me very happy.” Richard said, grinning, looking at Maya with all the love he feels for her. “I love you very much. So we get married, tomorrow?” He added, teasing her again. “You know, kailangan natin ng early start sa half a dozen na magiging kapatid ni Abby!”
“Hahahaha, sweetheart, ikaw talaga, incorrigible! Sobrang, not possible naman iyang tomorrow. Bukod pa sa lagot tayong dalawa sa mga nanay natin.” Maya pinched Richard’s cheek lovingly. “How about in two months time?”
“Hmmm, how about in two weeks.” Richard countered, grinning.
“Hahahaha, sweetheart, never say die talaga ang peg mo!” Maya teased back. “How about a month? Last Saturday of August?”
Richard grinned. “Deal sweetheart!”
Both of them giggled, grinned at their silliness, and happy to have agreed on a date for their wedding! “Sweetheart, ang crazy natin ‘no! Sabi ko na nga ba eh, iyang magnanimous statement mo na iyan na willing to wait ha!”
“Happily, crazily in love, Ms. Dela Rosa.” Richard said softly, lovingly.
“Yes, Mr. Lim, happily and crazily in love, with you.” Maya replied happily.
Richard and Maya gazed at each other with all the love they are feeling, thinking of the time when they will be finally, together forever. They sealed that thought with a searing kiss, which turned into several kisses as they enjoyed their private moment.
They went to bed when the roosters started crowing. Richard took Maya up to the door of the room she was sharing with Nanay Tessie, and Abby. They managed to part after several searing kisses. Both went to bed, and fall asleep, with big happy smiles on their faces.
Note: Finally! Have a nice evening/day! ❤ 🙂 ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 23
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 17, 2015
Chapter 23
“Wait, Manong Edwin! Sandali lang po.” Maya called their driver’s attention when she noticed that he took a right turn, instead of going left. “Parang mali po yata ang direksyon natin. Di po ba, sa kaliwa ang papunta sa La Casa Antigua? May iba pa po ba tayong dadaanan?”
“Ma’am Maya, wala naman po. Ito po ang direksyon na ibinigay sa akin. Bilin pa nga po sa akin nung boss ko, huwag akong mamamali ng direksyon.” Manong Edwin said, then continued driving in the direction he took.
By then, Maya had a pretty good idea on where they were going. Dead end ang daan na tinatahak nila, and isa lang ang nandoon sa dulo. “Sweetheart, we are going to where the ‘most romantic place’ is!” She remarked to Richard. “Di ba, sabi ni Nanay, may event doon this evening and sarado ang lugar? Baka maipit tayo roon! Besides gabi na. Medyo madilim ng kaunti roon kapag ganitong time. Pabalikin na kaya natin si Manong Edwin. Mali yata ang direction na ibinigay sa kanya ng mga taga-La Casa.”
“Relax lang, sweetheart,” was all Richard said, then continued holding Maya’s hand, caressing it, then seeing that Maya was still worried, he added, “Pabayaan mo lang si Manong Edwin dito sa direction that he took.”
Maya looked at Richard closely. She saw his calm visage. In fact, he looked happy and excited about something. Seeing this, Maya’s heart started galloping. She had an inkling by then that she was in for a big surprise that evening, gaya ng pakiramdam niya earlier. Kumakabog ang dibdib niya. She took a deep breath to calm her fast-beating heart, and as Richard said, kalma lang. For sure, she will see what is in store for her this evening in several minutes.
True enough, several minutes after, they stopped at the entrance of the ‘most romantic place’! Expecting the place to be in darkness, Maya was surprised to see that the place was brightly lit, with a big structure in the middle of the old clearing by a small lake, just under the very old mango tree where her parents’ names were carved more than 25 years ago.
Richard helped Maya out of the car and led her to the beautiful structure there, which on a closer look, and with her senses getting accustomed to the events unfolding before her, she realized resembled the ballroom of an English manor house! It is actually a replica of a ballroom in a manor house! At a corner, there was a small orchestra and the musicians were dressed in period costumes, like they were to provide entertainment to a ball or a soiree with lords and ladies, and other members of the nobility, in attendance. The whole place looked like a scene from the bodice ripper novels she is addicted to! But how? And why? Parang alam na niya, but ayaw naman niyang mag-assume! As Maya stared and took in the beautiful and magical surroundings before her, feeling like she was transported back in time, into the pages of the books she likes, Richard softly approached her.
“I believe it is our dance, my lady!” Richard said, looking at Maya with all the love he feels for her. He extended his hand. He looked like a dashing lord from her novels, about to ask the lady he would like to get betrothed to, to dance.
When Maya put her, by then, very cold hand into Richard’s, the opening strains of a waltz, floated into the beautiful night. Maya was quite sure then of what’s going to happen later, with voice that was not very steady, and with knees getting wobbly, she whispered to Richard, “Yes, I believe it is our dance, my lord.”
Richard then took her into his arms, glided on the makeshift ballroom, staring at her, full of love. Maya felt like she was floating and her being was just concentrated on Richard and the magic world he took her to. They danced, as close as two people could be for several minutes. As the music was fading, Richard bowed to Maya. He got something from his pocket, and knelt before her, as she waited breathlessly.
“Will you marry me, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa?” Richard said, his voice full of emotion, his face full of love for Maya as he offered her the diamond-encrusted engagement ring he had been carrying since the day before. “Be mine forever as I will be yours.”
Maya felt like her heart would burst from sheer happiness. She never expected that Richard will propose to her this early, that evening kahit malakas na malakas na ang kutob niya! Tears started to glisten from her very expressive eyes. She also knelt down before Richard, touched his beloved face, and whispered softly, “Yes, Ricky, I will marry you. I would like to be yours forever as you will be mine.”
Hearing that, Richard heaved a sigh of relief. He was actually very nervous. He gave Maya a brilliant, loving smile, then slowly put the beautiful ring on her finger, caressing it as he did so. “I love you very much, sweetheart.” Then he raised Maya’s hand to his lips and kissed it. He helped her up, gently. Richard lowered his lips to Maya’s and with the orchestra playing a beautiful classical music in the background, they shared their first kiss as a newly engaged couple. The kiss lasted for several long seconds, with both of them, pouring into that kiss the love they feel for each other. They broke apart, with big grins, and with their faces flushed. They were very happy. Engaged, finally!
“One more dance, my lady.” Richard asked, smiling charmingly.
“Yes, my lord.” Maya replied happily, interlacing her hands around Richard’s nape. “I love you very much.” She whispered to him as the two of them swayed to the music, lost in their own world. Both of them are looking forward to their future together. They shared another kiss when the music ended.
Maya looked again at her beautiful ring as Richard interlaced their fingers while they took a stroll near the lake, afterwards, while the musicians were packing their instrument. She was still having a hard time believing that she and Richard were now engaged! “I love you very much, sweetheart.” She said lovingly and sweetly, giving Richard a tremulous smile. Then she looked around again, and realizing the enormity and the efforts Richard did to give her a proposal she would never forget, she touched his face again. “Thank you for this , sweetheart. I’m simply overwhelmed with the effort you took to give me this!”
“So, did I get it right, sweetheart?” Richard asked, smiling. “Ganito ba ang mga nasa novel na paborito mo?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Paano mo ito na-accomplish?” Maya asked, amazement in her gaze and voice.
“That’s a long story, sweetheart. You will know later.” Richard said. “Come, let’s get going.”
“Ha, aalis na tayo, rito? Sayang naman itong grand set-up mo kung hindi natin ma-enjoy ng husto.” Maya protested.
“It will still be here, later, sweetheart if you want to come back and enjoy the rest of the night here. For now, we should get going.” Richard told his fiancée. He was looking forward to seeing her reaction, when she sees his next surprise.
“Saan tayo pupunta?” Maya asked, smiling. By then, she already knew that Richard has another surprise waiting for her.
Instead of answering, Richard kissed Maya again. “Mamaya na ang mga tanong my Mrs. Lim-to-be.”
“Okay, Mr. Lim.” Maya said happily, letting Richard led her back again to the entrance of the ‘most romantic place’.
The musicians followed them. After offering their congratulations, they walked to their service van. Richard, on the other hand, led Maya back to the vintage car where Manong Edwin was patiently waiting. Seeing their happy faces, the older guy offered his congratulations to them.
“Ikaw, Manong Edwin, ha. akala ko talaga, iniligaw mo kami?” Maya teasingly said. “Thank you po.”
“Kulit niya Manong Edwin, di ba po?” Richard teased. “Akala ko nga mapapaamin ka po ni Maya, hahahaha.”
“Oo nga, Sir Richard.” Manong Edwin said, smiling. “Congratulations po ulit, Ma’am Maya, Sr Richard.”
“Thank you Manong Edwin. Tayo na po.” Richard said. He then escorted Maya inside the vintage car and several minutes after, they were on their way.
From the ‘most romantic place’ Manong Edwin drove them towards the direction of La Casa Antigua. They arrived at the beautiful, regal and grand old mansion several minutes after. They were greeted by the manager of the restaurant.
“Good evening po, Ms. Dela Rosa, Mr. Lim, I’m Jeff Macavinta, welcome to La Casa Antigua.” The tall, handsome, and friendly manager greeted them with a big smile. “Congratulations on your engagement. This way po.”
“Sweetheart, I’m so touched naman talaga and overwhelmed, pinaghandaan mo talaga ng husto ang gabi na ito.” Maya whispered to Richard as they followed the manager to the second level of the house, up through the grand staircase adorned with a huge chandelier. “May dinner pa rin pala talaga tayo rito!”
Richard smiled broadly, stopped and gave her a quick kiss as a reply. He pressed her hand too, lacing it tighter with his as they followed up the manager to the main dining room of the mansion. Indeed, Maya was in for another wonderful surprise!
“CONGRATULATIONS!” Everyone inside shouted when Maya and Richard entered the dining room.
“Oh my God!!! Oh my God!!! Maya said, surprised, her voice choking as she looked around and saw who were there. With tears of happiness in her eyes, she looked at Richard with all the love she is feeling. She felt like her heart expanded a million times from the sheer happiness she was feeling at that moment.
“Yes, sweetheart, they are here to share this wonderful night with us. All the people we love.” Richard said softly, wiping Maya’s tears, gently with the thumb of his hand. “I love you and I want to offer you the world, everything that would make you happy.”
“Sweetheart, naman, hayan di ko na kayang pigilan.” Maya hugged Richard tight and with voice choking, and tears freely flowing from her expressive eyes, she thanked Richard once more. “I love you very much. Sobrang saya ko ngayon, wala na talagang pagsidlan. Thank you for all of these.”
“Tita Maya, Tita Maya, you will be my mommy na! Yehey! I’m so happy!” Abby suddenly said, lightening up the emotions-filled moment. She ran to Maya and all the grown-ups smiled. They too, felt teary-eyed, seeing how happy Maya and Richard were. They were both glowing with love.
Maya hugged the little girl. “Yes, Abby, I will be. I’m very, very happy that I will be your new mommy and that you will be my daughter.”
“Yes!!! Can I call you Mommy na, Tita Maya?” The little girl asked. “I know I had another mommy and she is in heaven. Daddy said, it will be okay with her if you will be my Mommy also.”
“Yes, Abby.” Maya replied emotionally.
“Yehey!” Abby gave Maya another hug and a kiss, then she turned to her father. “Daddy, thank you for giving me a new mommy. Thank you for giving me Mommy!” She added, hugging Maya again.
Richard smiled at his little girl, ruffled her hair, then gave her a quick kiss. He shared a look with Maya. With the little girl between them, they walked towards the special persons who were sharing this evening with them.
Richard took Nanay Tessie’s hand.”Tita Tessie, mano po.” He said simply.
“Richard, anak, please call me Nanay also.” Nanay Tessie said, still sniffling. “Kung hindi nga lang mabubuko ng anak ko ng wala sa oras ang plano mo, kasi baka madulas tayo pareho, noon pa mang nagpaalam ka, sasabihin ko sanang Nanay na ang itawag mo sa akin.” She added smiling, then she looked at her daughter. “Maya, anak.”
Maya went to her mother, and they hugged tight, with Nanay Tessie caressing her hair, whispering. “Anak, sobrang saya ko para sa iyo ngayon. Papasok ka na sa panibagong yugto ng buhay mo. I’m happy that you found yourself a wonderful guy na sobrang mahal na mahal ka! Sobrang saya ko na makita kung gaano ninyo kamahal ang isa’t isa. Kahit mawala na ako bukas, anak, masaya na ako dahil alam kong maayos ka na. Sana lang, nandito ang kapatid mo. Pero alam ko, nasaan man siya, gaya ko, masayang-masaya rin siya para sa iyo. I love you anak.”
“I love you very much po, Nanay.” Maya said emotionally. “You are the best mother in the whole world. Saka, Nay, huwag ka pong magsasalita ng ‘mawawala’. Di ko iyon kakayanin, Nay. Saka, ikaw din, di ba gusto mo pa ng apo.” She added, teasing her mother.
“Bakit, bibigyan ninyo ba ako kaagad ni Richard?” Nanay Tessie bantered back. “I hope you will. Dagdagan ninyo na ang apo kong si Abby!” She said, smiling and ruffling the little girl’s hair. She and Abby had bonded earlier while waiting for Maya and Richard.
It was Richard who replied to her. “Sure na sure po iyon, Nay.” He said grinning, then added, “Ilan po ba ang gusto niyo? Kaya po namin ni Maya kahit kalahating dosena pa!” Everyone laughed! Abby cheered upon hearing that they are planning to give her six brothers and sisters! Maya blushed and pinched Richard lovingly, who pretending to be hurt, wanting a kiss. Their guests took that as a cue to egg them to kiss. They obliged, and everyone clapped and teased them as it lasted longer than the usual!
Before they sat down for their dinner, all of their guests greeted them. Manang Fe was the first. Maya took her hand para magmano. Manang Fe on the other hand, hugged her, and her alaga, emotional too, wished them well and told them that she was very happy for the two of them and seeing that Richard is finally with the only woman he loves. She was followed by Maya’s Tito Rollie, her cousins, Mely and Simon, followed by Doris’s father, Fernando, Manang Maring, Sabel and Lea who were both kinikilig when they approached Maya and Richard, then Lance who said he is happy, as Abby will be his ‘honorary cousin’, and the last one was Doris.
“BFF, Richard, congratulations. Bilang saksing tunay sa inyong pagmamahalan, I’m so happy for you guys.” Doris said, sniffling pa rin. “Richard, ikaw na ang bahala dito sa BFF ko ha. Mahal na mahal ka nito.” She hugged Richard.
“BFF, alam kong dream come true ito for you. Makita lang kitang sobrang saya, masayang-masaya na rin ako.” The two friends hugged each other tight.
“Thank you very much, BFF. Alam mo naman na wish ko rin ito for you.”
“Thank you, Doris, for everything.” Richard said, then to Maya, he said, “Sweetheart, si Doris ang tumulong sa akin with my proposal to you, especially, iyong sa ‘most romantic place’. Then, si Nanay naman dito sa La Casa.”
“Really BFF, Nay! Paano?” Maya asked. “Kailan ka nagsabi kay Nanay, sweetheart?”
“Naku BFF, mahaba-habang usapan iyan. Kwento na lang ni Richard sa iyo. Kain na tayo at gutom na ang ating mga kiddos!” Doris said.
“Oo nga, Maya anak. Kwento namin sa iyo ni Richard pagbalik natin sa bahay,”
“Nay, BFF, thank you very much for this. Sobrang memorable for Richard and me.” Maya said happily.
“Para sa inyo ni Richard, anak, I was very happy to do my share.”
“Same here, BFF. Kahit tumulay pa sa alambre, gagawin ko para sa inyo ni Mr. Dreamboat!”
Everybody laughed as they sat down for their dinner. The restaurant staff started bringing in the mouth-watering dishes in which this restaurant is famous for. They enjoyed their sumptuous dinner while the orchestra who played at the most romantic place, serenaded them with the most romantic tunes from various Broadway musicals. It was a very happy dinner, marked with laughter and banter, especially between Doris and Simon as Tito Fernando told Simon na ligawan na si Doris. The group also teased Maya and Richard a lot. They were also asked by Tito Fernando and Tito Rollie how they met. Maya, Richard, and also Doris took turns in telling them how they all met more than 10 years ago!
When everyone was having dessert, Emman and his assistant started bringing in a huge LED television monitor, attached to it was a laptop. Maya was surprised to see Emman Castro in the party, but then, she put two and to together and realized that Doris might have asked for his help in setting this up as he has an events planning business in San Nicolas and Poblador. Manang Fe told her earlier that Richard chartered a plane for them so they can make it to the engagement party. Doris stood up and called everyone’s attention.
“Since busog na tayong lahat, may isa pa tayong treat sa ating newly engaged couple. Richard, BFF, please stand up and come here in front.” Doris said and when Maya and Richard were in front of the monitor, sitting on the two chairs that were placed there, she signaled to Emman. The monitor lit up. Don Roberto and Donya Esmeralda faces filled up the screen, much to Richard and Maya’s surprised, and delight. They were seated in the living room of Richard’s uncle’s house in San Francisco. This was not part of Richard’s plan! But he is happy that Doris thought of this as well as he very much wanted to share this wonderful moment with his parents as well. He intertwined his hand with Maya’s, sharing a loving look with her.
“Congratulations, son, and Maya!” Donya Esmeralda said with a big smile! “Finally! I’m so happy for the two of you. Maya, hija, we hope we can meet you in person soon, as Ricky’s fiancee, pati na rin ang family mo. Si Mrs. Dela Rosa, ang magiging balae namin ni Roberto, and your uncle and cousins. Welcome to our family, Maya! Heto pala ang Papa mo, Ricky.”
“Ricky, son, congratulations. Maya, welcome to our family, hija.” A smiling Don Roberto said. “Gaya ng sabi nitong Mama mo Ricky, Maya, we are looking forward to meeting you again as my son’s fiancée. Soon, hopefully!”
“Mama, Papa, thank you for this. Maya and I are very happy that you are sharing this moment with us, kahit po nandiyan kayo at the other side of the world.” Richard said happily. “Ma, here o.” Grinning, he showed his Mama the ring on Maya’s finger.
“Oh, oh, that’s so beautiful, son! Maya, hija, you are so beautiful, and I’m happy to see the love between you and my son. Kitang-kita ko iyan kahit dito sa screen ng laptop. Masayang-masaya kami para sa inyong dalawa! Kailan ba ang kasal?”
“Thank you po Tita Esmeralda, Mr. Lim, for sharing this wonderful evening with Ricky and me.” Maya said. “I’m also looking forward to meet you, again, as Ricky’s fiancee. Thank you po talaga, sa pagtanggap sa pamilya ninyo. Hindi pa po namin napag-uusapan ni Ricky iyong date.”
“Maya, hija, bakit ‘Tita Esmeralda’ and ‘Mr. Lim’, call us Mama and Papa. Magiging anak ka na rin namin, di ba, Roberto.”
“Yes, yes, Maya hija. Call me Papa.” Don Roberto said smiling.
“Thank you po, Mama, Papa.” Maya said, still getting used to calling Richard’s parents that.
“Thank you, Ma, Pa. You don’t know how happy you have made Maya and me. I was not expecting this. Kahit akong may pasimuno ng surprises na ito kay Maya, na-surprise din, hahahaha. Saka, we will let you know po kung kailan ang wedding.”
“Di ba, son! I’m happy also na naisipan ito ni Fe, with the help of Maya’s very nice friend, si Doris. I hope the wedding is soon. Sabik na kami ng Papa mo na magkaapo ulit!”
“Talaga po!” Richard and Maya both said, looking at Manang Fe and Doris, who waved at them, grinning broadly like co-conspirators.
“Kayo po at si Nanay Tessie, pareho ang sabi sa amin!” Richard added, grinning, then looked at Maya teasingly. She just smiled lovingly at him.
“Great son! The more, the merrier ha.” Donya Esmeralda said happily. “Since kausap na namin kayo, may we meet also Maya’s mom, nang kahit paano naman makilala namin ang magiging balae namin ni Roberto, and also we would like to say hello to our apo.”
Richard fetched Nanay Tessie and Abby. With Abby on her lap, and Maya and Richard behind them, Nanay Tessie met her balaes through the wonders of modern technology! The Lims and Nanay Tessie chatted for several minutes, hitting off instantly. They promised to have dinner, both families, as soon as the Lims are back in the Philippines. Abby also chatted with her grandparents and told them that her Daddy and her new Mommy will give her six brothers and sisters! The adults laughed, with Maya blushing anew, and Richard grinning broadly and naughtily at her.
Richard and Maya thanked Doris and Emman, also Manang Fe, for setting up this wonderful surprise after they ended the Skype session with the Lims. Doris told them that Grace was supposed to be included in that. However, she was on call at the hospital where she works as a surgeon and she had to do an emergency operation an hour before the Skype call they set up. She wanted to have it relayed to Maya and Richard her congratulations, and a promise that she will call later or the following day!
“Bago po tayo magtapos dito sa La Casa Antigua, ngayong gabi, how about a dance from our newly engaged couple, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa-soon-to-be Lim and her fiance, Mr. Richard Lim.” Doris said.
Richard and Maya looked at each other lovingly. They went to the center of the makeshift dance floor and much to their delight, the strains of the waltz they danced to earlier started filling the room.
“My lady, our dance!”
“Yes, indeed, my lord!”
They danced like it was just the two of them in the whole universe! When the music was ending, Richard and Maya shared another sweet kiss.
“I love you very much, Mrs. Lim-to-be!”
“I love very much too, my Mr. Lim!”
Maya and Richard whispered lovingly to each other before facing their loved ones, and executing a deep bow. They thanked them for sharing this wonderful moment with them. Everybody clapped and started humming a wedding march. Richard and Maya grinned, looked at each other with all the love and happiness they were feeling. Indeed, it was a night to tell, not only to their children and grandchildren, but to their great-grandchildren!
Note: ❤ ❤ ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 22
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 16, 2015
Chapter 22
Maya woke up alone. She looked at the wall clock and saw that it was already seven o’clock in the morning. Her mother is an early riser, so she was not surprised to see that her side of the bed was already empty. She was probably at Cristina’s or helping Manang Maring prepare their breakfast. She wondered if Richard was already awake. He probably was, as he is a morning person too. She smiled, happy with the thought that Richard was in the same house, that he was just several rooms away from her!
Maya went to the dining room to check if everyone was there already after taking a quick bath and putting on shorts and t-shirt. She saw that while the table was set for three, there was no one there. She went to the kitchen and saw her mother and Manang Maring preparing their breakfast.
“Good morning po, Nay! Magandang umaga po, Manang Maring.” Maya greeted, then went to her mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Nay, si Ricky po, gising na po ba? Nag-coffee na ba siya? Normally, maagang magising iyon. He always text me early!”
“Good morning, anak.” Nanay Tessie greeted her daughter as she finished arranging fruits in a serving plate. “Mabuti at gising ka na. Hindi muna ako nagpahain kay Maring dahil lalamig. Sabi ko mga past 7AM na. Tamang-tama lang ang gising mo. Kakain na tayo in a while. Ipapaluto ko na itong mga food, para mainit pa kapag kumain tayo. Hindi ko pa nakikita si Richard. Tiningnan mo ba sa kwarto niya?”
“Hindi po, dumiretso na ako kasi sa dining room, then nung wala kayo roon, dito sa kitchen.” Maya said, then she started pouring a cup of coffee from the coffee maker. “Sige po, gisingin ko na lang. Baka napagod ng husto kahapon kaya tinanghali ng gising. Punta po muna ako sa room niya.”
Carrying two cups of coffee in a tray, Maya was off to Richard’s room. She knocked softly. When there was no reply, she slowly opened the door. Maya saw Richard was still sleeping, and by the look of it, he was still in deep sleep. Hmmm, namahay kaya itong si Ricky? Parang napuyat kagabi ah. Ang himbing ng tulog! Maya mused as she put down the tray on the bedside table.
Maya sat at the edge of the bed, looked closely at her boyfriend’s sleeping handsome face. He is cute pala when he sleeps, she mused, looking at Richard sleeping sideways, with his right cheek pillowed on the palm of his right hand! She smiled, caressed his face tenderly with the back of her hand, and murmured, “Sweetheart, gising na! Sweetheart, magbe-breakfast na tayo.”
Richard, instead of waking up, just mumbled a protest, then turned to the other side of the bed. Maya tried to shake him gently, but still, he refused to open his eyes. Hands on her waist, she was thinking of what to do next when she remembered his offer of waking her up with 100 kisses the Sunday they were going to Tagaytay. She smiled. She had an impish look about her. Hmmm, maybe that one will be more effective, Richard Lim! She started giving Richard tiny little kisses. She was so at it and didn’t notice his mumbling until later. She checked and she realized that he was counting the kisses she was giving him with a big naughty smile on his face, eyes still closed!
“Sweetheart, ikaw talaga!” Maya said as she shook Richard’s shoulder. “Gising ka na pala!” She pretended to be miffed! “Hmmmp, nakakainis ka, sweetheart!”
“Why did you stop, sweetheart, nakaka-20 ka pa lang ah.” Richard said, grinning at looking at Maya lovingly “Parang ayaw ko pa kasing magising, I’m enjoying your kisses eh.”
Maya pinched Richard lovingly and with voice dangerously soft, she asked him, “So, nung nagsimula akong mag-kiss, gising ka na?”
“Hahahaha, di pa, sweetheart, nung panlima!” Richard said admitted, mirth making his eyes into tiny slits. “Good morning, I love you.” He then sat up and gave Maya a quick kiss, then hugged her from the back. “Don’t be mad na. Truly, that was the best wake up I had.”
“Sige na nga, forgiven ka na.” Maya said, mollified. “Nahirapan ka bang matulog dito. Namahay ka?”
“Hindi naman, sweetheart! Hindi lang ako nakatulog kaagad kasi excited to be here and for this weekend.” Richard gave Maya one of his bone-melting lopsided smiles and he did seem very happy as it lit up his whole face. “Basta…?”
“Hmmm, sige na nga. I’m sure malalaman ko rin iyan.” Maya said. “Heto, pinagdala kita ng kape, pampagising.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. Mas effective ang kisses mo, pero this coffee is also nice.” Richard said, getting out of the bed. “Wait lang, give me a second, banyo lang ako.”
Richard returned several minutes after, he sat at the edge of the bed, beside Maya. “Now, I can do this proper.” He cupped Maya’s face and gave her a searing kiss that left her breathless. “Thank you for my wonderful good morning, sweetheart. I love you.”
Maya smiled lovingly at her boyfriend. “I love you too, Mr. Lim. Heto o coffee ka muna.”
The two of them enjoyed their coffee, looking at each other and sharing loving glances. It was another beautiful moment between them.
“Sweetheart, mauna ka na muna. I will take a shower lang before breakfast.” Richard said, taking the last sip from his coffee. “Please tell Tita Tessie, my apologies for waking up late.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Sunod ka na lang as soon as you are done.” Maya said, gave Richard a quick kiss and then she was out of the room.
Richard took out clothes from his overnight bag. But before he went to the bathroom, he opened his sling bag and looked at Maya’s ring again. He smiled, very much looking forward to his proposal in the evening. He also made a quick call to Doris to check if everything is set.
“Yes Mr. Dreamboat, everything is set for your grand proposal to my BFF this evening na sadya namang nakakakilig talaga. Hay!!!!” Doris said with a big smile when he asked, teasing him. “Hindi ka naman masyadong excited, Richard. Kalma lang. Ako na ang bahala sa lahat.” She assured him. “Basta, kinikilig talaga ako ng sobra-sobra sa proposal mo.”
“Thank you, Doris for everything.” Richard said again. “I owe you a lot.”
“Naku, wala ito, Richard. Para sa inyo ng BFF ko naman ito. I’m very happy para sa inyo ng BFF ko. Alam ko naman kung gaano ka niya kamahal at alam ko rin naman na mahal na mahal mo siya.” Doris said. “Sayang lang, wala ako diyan. Di bale, dinner na lang tayo pagbalik ninyong dalawa sa Maynila. Good luck, Richard! Hay naku, sure naman ako sasagutin ka ng BFF ko.”
Hearing that, an idea started germinating in Richard’s head. “Wait Doris, are you free today?” He suddenly asked.
“Errr, yes, until Monday pa nga, since I worked last weekend and out-of-town pa, I am. Bakit?” Doris asked, puzzled.
“Well, I just thought of another beautiful thing.” Richard said, a smile lighting up his whole face. “How about you, Abby, Lance, Manang Fe, and isama mo na rin sina Sabel and Lea going here today? I’m sure mas matutuwa noon si Maya!”
“Ha, eh paano? Wala kaming na-book na flight? Kaya ko namang i-gather lahat, pero baka wala ng flight today.” Doris replied, then added, “Long weekend, di ba, baka maraming nagpunta sa Mindoro kaya makakuha man kami ng flight papunta diyan, baka mahirap na ang pabalik bukas. May pasok ang mga bata sa Lunes.”
“I’ll take care of the transportation. No worries. Basta ikaw na please sana ang bahala kina Manang Fe, Abby and Sabel.” Richard said, the plan snowballing in his head. “Let me just make a couple of phone calls. Basta, dadaanan kayo nina Manang and Abby in three hours, okay, kapag naayos ko na ang lahat.”
“Oh okay.” Doris managed to say. She grinned broadly. Ibang klase talaga itong boyfriend ng BFF ko!
Richard made several phone calls, the first one to one of his clients who has a charter planes and helicopters service. Miguel Santiago agreed readily when Richard requested if he could fly his daughter and several others to San Nicolas in a small plane that afternoon. He also called Manang Fe and told her of his plans. The old lady smiled, and thought, ang nagagawa nga naman ng pag-ibig sa alaga niya! She promised to take care of everything from her end. Having set everything, he called back Doris. She was all smiles upon hearing what he had managed to accomplish in several minutes!
Richard and Doris said goodbye. Richard went to bath, humming, very much looking forward to the evening ahead. He is really very thankful to Doris for everything. The Monday after the Tagaytay trip with Maya and the kids, he asked Sabel if she had exchanged number with Lea. She said she did. He then asked her if she could ask Lea for Doris’ phone number, on the pretext that he will ask Doris something in connection with Abby and Lance’s school activities.
From there, Richard managed to contact Doris who was still in Ilocos Norte at that time. She agreed to meet him for coffee the following day. Maya thought he had a meeting somewhere when he left LAS around 4PM. He met Doris at a coffee shop near her office. After an exchange of pleasantries, he told her about his plan to propose to Maya. Doris squealed with delight. The other customers looked at them, and she covered her mouth sheepishly.
When Doris asked how she could help, he laid out his plans to her. Doris told him that she can take care of the details. She just knows the person who can do it – a friend from college who is from Poblador. He has an events planning business, and that friend has a theater production background as he had worked in various theater productions in Manila before settling back in Mindoro. She also mentioned that he knows Maya, but she will just ask him to keep things between the two of them. Doris also said that her father can help with the logistics. Bahala na siya. So, Richard left the execution in her very capable hands. There was no need to ask for Liza’s help with the proposal after all. Mabuti na rin iyon at baka madulas pa ang assistant nya kay Maya dahil sa sobrang kilig!
When Richard made it to the dining room, Maya and her mother were already seated, chatting while sipping coffee. “Tita Tessie, good morning po. Pasensya na po at tinanghali ako ng gising.” Richard said. “Hi again, sweetheart!”
“Naku, okay lang iyan Richard. Feeling ko nga baka namahay ka.” Nanay Tessie told her future son-in-law. “Umupo ka na diyan sa tabi ni Maya nang makapag-breakfast na tayo.”
“Thank you po.” Richard touched Maya’s shoulder affectionately before he sat down. “Hindi nga po ako nakatulog kaagad.” He told his future mother-in-law.
Judging by Richard’s smile, Nanay Tessie knew why he was unable to sleep promptly. Siya man, nahirapang makatulog kaagad. Today is the day! Uh-oh, she is getting emotional again. She better stop!
“Kain na Richard. Maya, anak, patikim mo kay Richard itong special tapa namin ni Manang Maring.” Nanay Tessie said. “Timpla ko iyan, and isa sa mga binabalik-balikang breakfast diyan sa Cristina’s.”
Maya gave Richard a big serving of the tapa, the spicy vinegar that goes with it, then scrambled eggs, fruits and lastly, another cup of coffee.
“Tama na sweetheart. Baka hindi na ako makalakad nito sa pamamasyal natin.” Richard said, putting his hand over Maya’s. “Thank you.” He then mouthed ‘I love you’ to her.
Looking at the two of them, Nanay Tessie smiled. Indeed, she is very happy at what she is seeing! The three of them had a leisurely breakfast.
More than two hours later, Tita Tessie, Maya and Richard was at the San Nicolas Memorial Park where Cristina Rose is buried. On the way to there, they bought a big bouquet of roses and Malaysian mums for her and some candles.
“Hi Ate Cris, sorry ang tagal kong hindi nakadalaw sa iyo.” Maya said as she put the flowers in front of her sister’s gravestone.”Kasama ko si Ricky. Siya iyong ikinukwento ko sa iyo dati sa e-mails. He is my boyfriend now.” Maya added, looking lovingly at Richard.
Richard smiled back and by way of a greeting and paying respect to Maya’s sister, he touched her gravestone and uttered a silent hello, saying that he is indeed her sister’s boyfriend and also whispered, that he is also Maya’s soon to be fiance.
Nanay Tessie lit the candles, and lovingly touched her eldest daughter’s gravestone, saying that she is still missed, very much. She also whispered to her eldest daughter that their bunso is about to get married soon. The three of them stayed in the memorial park for half an hour. When the sun got hotter, they left.
“Maya anak, mamaya palang gabi, doon na kayo mag-dinner ni Richard sa La Casa Antigua.” Nanay Tessie said as they were walking out of the memorial park, to Simon’s jeep which they have borrowed earlier. “Nakalimutan ko na may usapan pala kami ni Mareng Ginny mamayang gabi.”
Richard offered to drive and while it took him a bit to master the jeep as he has not driven one in a long time, he managed to do it. Maya teased him and asked if he can drive a jeep as well. He told her that of course, he can, and he did!
“Oh! Sige po. Gusto ko nga rin po sanang dalhin doon si Ricky, kahit sa susunod na bisita namin dito sa San Nicolas.” Maya said, then remembered, “Opps, naku Nay, di ba po, medyo formal ang restaurant na iyon and by reservation lang? Wala akong dalang dress. Saka baka po si Richard, ganoon din. Nawala sa isip ko na magdala ng formal clothes!”
“Naku Maya, don’t worry about that. Di ba, merong vintage dress diyan si Nanay na gustong-gusto mong suutin dati. Tamang-tama, kapapa-dry clean ko pa lang noong nakaraang linggo.” Nanay Tessie said hastily. It was a good thing, and nagkataon naman talaga na pina-dry clean niya ang mga treasured clothes ng Nanay niya kasi ililipat niya ng lalagyan.
“Oh okay po. Sige Nay. Solved na that one. How about you sweetheart? Nagdala ka ba ng medyo dressy na clothes.” Maya asked Richard.
“Yes I did, sweetheart.” Richard said, smiling and sharing a look with Maya’s mother.
“Bilib naman ako sa pagiging boys scout mo, sweetheart!” Maya said smiling. “Buti na lang. Excited na ako. You will love La Casa. It’s an ancestral home that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. It has been converted into an exclusive fine dining place. Iyong family ng may-ari nito, one of the most prominent families in San Nicolas. Para kang na-transport sa 19th century Philippines kapag nandoon ka, also the food they serve, iyong mga food noong araw.”
“Really, then I’m looking forward to that, sweetheart!” Richard simply said.
“I made a reservation na rin kagabi, Maya anak. Sorry, hindi ko na nasabi sa iyo kaagad.” Nanay Tessie informed Maya. “Well, Fernando did, when I asked him. Di ba, naging lawyer siya ng mga Guevarra for a time.”
“Thanks a lot po Nay.” Maya hugged her mother. “Sayang, hindi kayo makakasama sa amin ni Ricky.”
From the memorial park, they returned to the house to rest a bit before going around the town. Nanay Tessie told Maya and Richard that she will just go check on Mely in the restaurant. They told her that they will just leave in half an hour.
When Maya returned to the room she was sharing with her mother to get her camera, Richard sought Nanay Tessie.
“O Richard, may kailangan ka ba, anak?” Nanay Tessie asked when she saw Richard at the doorway of Cristina’s.
“Tita Tessie, yes po, about this evening, could you please add six people pa po.” Richard requested.
“Six!?” Nanay Tessie asked, surprised.
Richard realized that he forgot to explain properly. He did. After hearing it, Maya’s mother was all smiles.
“Richard, anak, nakakatuwa ka naman talaga, and I’m very happy for what you are doing to make my daughter happy. Sige, ako na ang bahala. They should stay here na rin ha. Ipapahanda ko na ang lahat kay Maring.” Nanay Tessie said, touching Richard’s place affectionately. “Kapag hindi ka pa naman sinagot ng anak ko niyan, ewan ko na lang.” She teased.
Richard laughed, and it was what Maya heard first when she went down, looking for him. She smiled when she saw him and her mother sharing a laugh. Nakakatuwa naman talaga itong boyfriend ko at Nanay ko, mukhang click na click!
“Sweetheart, halika na. Ready na ako.” Maya said, holding on to his arm. “Nay, aalis na po kami ni Ricky. Doon na rin kami kakain ng lunch sa Filipino restaurant malapit sa simbahan.”
“O sige, mga anak, mag-iingat kayo ha. Enjoy. Be back pala around 4PM para makapagpahinga kayo before your big evening.” Nanay Tessie said.
Maya and Richard promised Nanay Tessie that they will. Richard escorted Maya to Simon’s jeep. Simon told them that they can use it for the whole day as he was not going anywhere, and if he does, he can just borrow his father’s car when it is free. They first went to the San Nicolas Church. Hand in hand they went inside the beautiful, old church and stayed there for several minutes. After that, they looked around the poblacion, especially at all the old houses near the plaza, then they had a delicious lunch at Tokanz. They also discovered a quaint cafe as they resumed their leisurely walk after that heavy lunch. Maya and Richard lingered in the nice cafe – chatting, holding hands and just being happy to be together on that very nice Saturday afternoon.
On the way back to Maya’s family house, Maya pointed out to Richard the road that leads to the ‘most romantic place’. Richard smiled, glad that Emman, Doris’s friend who is handling the preparation of the proposal was quite precise in his directions. They had exchanged emails the past several days. He sent Richard mock-ups of his plan. Richard told him that from Friday onward, bahala na sila ni Doris na mag-communicate, tapos he will just take care of everything in the evening of Saturday.
“Maya, Richard, mga anak, kumusta ang lakad ninyo? Marami ba kayong napuntahan?” Nanay Tessie asked when she saw them getting out of the jeep. “Akyat na muna kayo ng makapag-merienda.”
“Hi Nay, medyo po. Okay naman po ang lakad namin ni Ricky. Busog pa po kami sa heavy lunch namin diyan sa Tokanz. Tapos may nakita po kaming cute na cafe after that, doon na lang kami nag-stay.” Maya said.
“Oo nga po, Tita Tessie! We will just rest na lang po.” Richard added. “Kayo po, nag-merienda na po ba kayo?”
“Tapos na kami ni Maring, 30 minutes ago. O siya, sige, magpahinga na muna kayo at kayo nga ang lalakad pa. Maya, anak, nandoon sa aparador sa kwarto sa dulo ang damit ni Nanay.” Tita Tessie said.
“Thank you po, Nay. Mauna na po kami ni Ricky sa itaas.”
“Tita Tessie, sige po.”
Hands intertwined, Richard and Maya went upstairs. But instead of resting in their rooms, they went to their now favorite part of the house, the azotea. With arms around Maya and her back against his chest, the two of them passed the time there, chatting about books they like, movies they could see when they return to Manila, and what they can do together when Donya Esmeralda and Don Roberto arrive. In the privacy of the azotea, they had also exchanged sweet kisses and loving smiles.
Maya and Richard returned to their respective rooms before six o’clock to get ready for the evening ahead. Nanay Tessie was waiting for Maya when she went inside the room they were sharing, her Mamang’s beautiful crimson dress, which she wore in one of the movies she made was on the bed.
Maya’s grandmother was an actress before she married her grandfather. Not as famous as the movie queens of the 50s and 60s, but she was in quite a number of movies, mostly supporting roles, before she ‘retired’ from the industry. Her mother held on to her dresses. They may not had much money when she and her Ate Cris were younger, but they had her grandmother’s memorabilia, and the house full of old furniture. Her mother wouldn’t dream of selling those hanggang kaya niya. Thankfully, and luckily, nakayanan naman nila. Everything in the house is to be passed on to the next generation, she said to them countless of times.
“Maya, anak, heto kinuha ko na iyong damit. Mag-ready ka na.” Nanay Tessie said with a big smile.
“Maraming salamat po Nay. Kayo po, anong oras po ba ang usapan ninyo ni Tita Ginny?”
“Naku, huwag mong intindihin iyon. Aalis na lang ako kapag nakaalis na kayo ni Richard.”
Maya took the dress and got ready for her and Richard’s dinner. She suddenly had this feeling of anticipation and excitement after she had put on the beautiful tea length dress which hugged her body, cinched at the waist by a cloth belt shaped like a ribbon, sleeveless and has a Sabrina neckline. The dress is really beautiful and timeless! She decided to style herself in a bun, similar to Audrey Hepburn’s hairstyle while she was going down the stairs, wearing a red gown and Fred Astaire, playing the role of the photographer Dick Avery, taking her photo.
“How do I look po, Nay?” Maya asked her mother when she returned to the room. “Hiniram ko nga po pala ang sandals ninyo na bagay dito.”
Teresita Dela Rosa, at first, was at a lost for words. Her daughter is very beautiful. Well she is, but she is doubly so in that dress and hairstyle. She looks radiant!
“Maya, anak, ang ganda-ganda mo! Bagay na bagay sa iyo iyang damit na iyan.” She finally managed to say. “Halika na at baka naghihintay na sa iyo si Richard.”
When mother and daughter entered the living room, they saw Richard, wearing a suit, staring out of the window. Hearing their footsteps, he turned and just gazed at Maya in astonishment and admiration. He gave her a bone-melting smile.
“Sweetheart, you look very lovely.” Richard finally managed to say, amid the fast beating of his heart. The reason why he was looking out of the window was because he was trying to calm himself. He was very nervous and at the same time excited about the evening ahead. Emman and Doris both called up while he was dressing, and assured him that everything is in place for his proposal.
Maya was also taking her fill of the man she loves. He looks so handsome and dapper in his pale blue suit and maroon shirt! He is dashing! “You look so guapo naman, sweetheart.”
Richard smiled at the love of his life. “Shall we, sweetheart?” Then he looked at Maya’s mother who was very teary-eyed by then, looking at the two of them. “Tita Tessie, aalis na po kami ni Maya.” Richard looked at Maya’s mother and nodded.
“Nay, umiiyak po ba kayo?” Maya asked, noticing that her mother was teary-eyed. “Bakit po?”
Instead of answering promptly, Nanay Tessie hugged her daughter tight, then kissed her on the forehead. “Tears of happiness lang ito anak, I’m so happy for you and Richard. I love you anak.”
“I love you too, Nay. Thank you po.” Maya said, a bit puzzled at her mother’s action.
Nanay Tessie also hugged Richard tight. Richard whispered a ‘thank you’ to her. “O sige na, Maya, Richard anak, at kanina pa naghihintay iyong sasakyan niyo sa labas.”
When Richard and Maya went out of the house, they saw a vintage car parked in front of the house. “Dito kami sasakay ni Ricky, Nay?” Maya asked, surprised. She thought they would just take Simon’s jeep again or her Tito Fernando’s car. “May pa-service na rin na vintage car ang Casa Antigua?”
Before Nanay Tessie can answer, the driver of the car approached them. “Good evening po, Ma’am Maya, Sir Richard, ako po si Edwin ang driver ninyo this evening.”
Richard greeted the driver, and before Maya can ask more questions, he ushered her inside the car. They waved to Nanay Tessie, Manang Maring and a puzzled Mely.
“For you, sweetheart.” Richard gave Maya a big bouquet of sunflowers which he got from the front seat of the car.
“Wow, sweetheart, you are turning our unexpected evening to a very wonderful date. We are dressed up to the nines, and may vintage car pa na alam ko hindi naman kasama sa service ng La Casa!”
“I want this to be a very memorable evening for you, sweetheart, for us.” Richard took Maya’s hand, looked deep into her eyes, and said, “The best is yet to come sweetheart.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I love you very much.”
“Sweetheart, memorable naman sa akin lahat ng evening na kasama kita. But thank you for this. I love you very much too.” Maya replied, her heart beating faster, the feeling of anticipation and unexplained excitement for the evening ahead, is getting stronger.
Richard didn’t let go of Maya’s hand and continued holding and caressing it as they journeyed to their destination, to a night to remember, a night to tell their children, and grandchildren.
Note: Happy long weekend to those in PH! Sorry, natagalan ang update ng OTSWYL! 🙂
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 21
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 12, 2015
Chapter 21
“Maya, Richard, kain muna kayo.” Nanay Tessie said when she returned to the living room, followed by Manang Maring, carrying a tray. “Nag-order ako ng paborito mong palitao, anak. Nagpahanda rin ako ng suman sa latik dito kay Maring, para matikman ni Richard. Richard, kumakain ka ba ng mga ito, pala?”
“Yes po, Tita Tessie. Matagal ko na pong gustong matikman ang mga paboritong kakanin ni Maya. Madalas niya pong makwento sa akin ang mga iyan kahit noong una pa lang kaming nagkakilala.” Richard assured Nanay Tessie. “Thank you very much po.”
“Hi Manang Maring!” Maya greeted their kasambahay, a distant relative, who also helps out in the restaurant. “Ako na po ang maglalagay niyan dito sa table.”
“Maya, natutuwa naman ako at nauwi ka ulit dito, anak. Ako na ang gagawa niyan.” Manang Maring said. “Masarap kasama nitong suman at palitao, itong ipinahanda ni Ate Tessie na kapeng barako. Bagong giling lang iyan, galing sa kapihan ni Kuya Fernando sa Batangas.”
“Wow, ang sasarap nga ng mga ito, Nay, Manang Maring! Thank po talaga. Sobrang na-miss ko ang mga ito.” Maya said. “Ricky, si Manang Maring pala, kasama ni Nanay dito sa bahay, also katuwang ni Nanay sa restaurant sa ibaba. Manang Maring, si Richard po, boyfriend ko.”
“Magandang hapon po, Manang Maring. Maraming salamat po dito sa masarap na merienda.” Richard offered the older lady a big friendly smile.
“Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala, Sir Richard. Walang anuman po, Sir. Tiyak pong magugustuhan ninyo ang mga ipinahanda ni Ate Tessie na kakanin.” The middle-aged lady said, then she grinned and looked at Maya. “Ka-gwapo naman nitong nobyo mo, Maya.”
“Siyempre naman, Manang.” Maya said, laughing.
Richard was also smiling. “Richard na lang po, Manang Maring.”
“O siya, maiwan ko na kayo, Richard, Maya, Ate Tessie.” Manang Maring said. “Ate Tessie, babalik na ako sa restaurant at baka marami nang tao roon. Para rin makapag-merienda na sina Melinda at Chona.”
“Ricky, kain na.” Maya gave Richard a plate with a big serving of palitao and suman sa latik. Then she gave the second plate she made to her mother, who told her while she was preparing it that she would only like a small serving as she was still full from the big lunch she and Maring had.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Richard said. “Ikaw?”
“Heto, kakain na rin. Handa ko lang itong kape natin.” Maya said, pointing at the third plate, then made coffee for the three of them. “Wow, ang sarap nga. Grabe, Nay, na-miss ko ito talaga!” She exclaimed after she took her first few bites of the kakanin.
“Tama po si Maya, Tita Tessie! This palitao is very delicious, also this suman sa latik! I’m sure magugustuhan din ang mga ito ni Abby!” Richard said while enjoying his third helping of the delicious rice cakes.
“Ilang taon na nga ang daughter mo Richard?” Nanay Tessie asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“She is almost eight years old po, Tita Tessie. Same age as Lance. I think nabanggit din po ni Maya na Abby has the same condition as Lance. Pero despite that, she is a very bright girl. Most of the time, she seems older for her age kung mag-isip!”
“Naku, Nay, may tawag na nga pala sa iyo si Abby. Sabi niya sa amin ni Ricky kanina, she wants to meet daw po Lola Nanay Teresita!” Maya told her mother.
“‘Lola Nanay Teresita’! I like that a lot.” Nanay Tessie smiled happily. “Nakakatuwa naman ang anak mo Richard. Please tell her, I’m also looking forward to meeting her. Sabik nga ako sa apo eh. Ito kasing nag-iisa ko na lang anak, eh, hindi pa ako mabigyan ng apo eh.” She teased her daughter.
“Nay naman!” Maya said, blushing and getting self-conscious, taking a big gulp of her coffee. “Ikaw talaga, mother.”
Richard grinned. He almost teased Maya and her mother about Maya and him giving her an apo soon. But he stopped himself, too soon, and Maya was already blushing. Instead, he said, “She asked me po a lot of questions when I told her that Maya and I will visit you. Tapos nung nagpaalam kami ni Maya kanina, iyon ang sinabi niya. Matutuwa po iyon na makilala kayo and makapunta rin sa San Nicolas. Sabik po iyon sa probinsya.”
“Naku, next time, isama ninyo rito si Abby. I’m sure, she will enjoy going around San Nicolas.” Nanay Tessie said. “Maya, bukas ipasyal mo si Richard diyan sa mga tourist spot natin. Pero, baka nga pala, Maya, hindi mo madala si Richard doon sa ‘most romantic place mo’!”
“Bakit po Nay?” Maya asked as she was really planning on taking Richard there the following afternoon.
“Sabi kasi ni Fernando, may special event daw doon bukas. Nabanggit ko kasi sa kanya na darating ka at for sure, pupunta ka roon kasama nitong si Richard. Sabi ni Fernando, iko-cordon off iyong area hanggang tomorrow evening. Pero, baka naman sa Sunday, pwede na. Hapon pa naman iyong flight niyo pabalik. Richard, itong si Maya, favorite place niya iyon, iyon kasi ang lugar kung saan nag-propose ang tatay niya sa akin. She used to tell Cristina Rose na isang araw, madadala rin niya sa lugar na iyon ang prince charming niya. Hayon, alaskado siya sa ate niya parati.” Nanay Tessie narrated, laughing. “May pagka-romantic kasi itong bunso ko. Iyon namang panganay ko may pagka-pragmatic! Hay, nakaka-miss din ang ate mo Maya!”
Richard smiled and hid it behind the cup of coffee he was taking a sip from, upon hearing about the most romantic place. “Nabanggit nga po ni Maya ang place na iyon, Mukha naman pong it’s a very nice place and romantic since doon nag-propose ang husband ninyo. And yes, romantic po ang anak ninyo, which I like very much.” He added, gazing at Maya lovingly. maya flushed a bit.
Maya smiled at Richard, then touched his hand, affectionately. “Ganoon po ba, Nay! Di bale po, baka next time ko na lang ipasyal doon si Ricky kung may event pala roon. Madalas po bang may ganoon na doon sa ‘most romantic place, Nay? Parang dati, kami nga lang ni Ate Cris ang nandoon kapag namamasyal kami roon. Well, maliban sa ilan na nagde-date rin doon na nakikita namin!”
“Hindi. Actually, this is the first time na may narinig ako na may event doon! Nagtaka nga rin ako.” Nanay Tessie said. “Oh well, baka may nakakita ng potential ng place na iyon for an event. Maganda naman kasi, and relaxing.”
“Siguro nga Nay,” Maya replied, shrugging, then she remembered something. “Nay, pupunta nga po pala kami ni Ricky bukas ng umaga sa puntod ni Ate Cris, baka gusto ninyo pong sumama.”
“Sige nga, anak. After breakfast bukas, punta tayo sa kapatid mo. Medyo matagal na rin akong hindi nakakadalaw sa kanya.” Nanay Tessie said. “O kumusta nga pala ang work? Good thing also that you work with Richard also in certain days.”
“Naku, Tita Tessie, sobrang galing po na lawyer ng anak ninyo, and sobrang sipag. I’m saying that po as her client and not as her boyfriend.” Richard said smiling. “And as a boyfriend naman, I’m proud of her and what she had accomplished. Alam ko po na noon pa man pangarap na ni Maya na maging lawyer.” He added, looking at Maya with pride and love.
“Sweetheart naman eh.” Maya said softly, giddily, thrilled at Richard’s praise and his blatant show of love for her and pride in her achievement. “Thank you.”
Seeing this, Nanay Tessie felt giddy as well and really very happy for her daughter. “Thank you, Richard. When I went with Maya to her oathtaking, I felt very emotional kasi alam ko kung gaano katagal nang pangarap nitong si Maya na maging abugada, saka ang mga sacrifice at pinagdaanan niya para ma-achieve ito.”
“Nay, hayan naiiyak ka na naman.” Maya said. “Hala la, papangit ka,” she teased. “All behind us na po iyon. Dito na tayo sa present and sa future. Maayos na tayo, di ba?”
“Oo nga naman, anak.” Nanay Tessie said. “Pasensya ka na Richard at may halong drama itong pamilya ng girlfriend mo.”
Richard smiled. “Okay lang po iyon. I know what you meant. When Maya and I got together again, we had our share of heart to heart talk also.” He said, looking at Maya and both of them shared a smile of understanding.
The three of them continued enjoying their merienda until late in the afternoon. It was agreed also that they will have dinner at the restaurant with Maya’s cousins, Simon and Melinda and their Dad, also Doris’ father, Fernando, as all of them also wanted to meet Maya’s boyfriend and to welcome Maya back home. Maya and her mother updated each other on what had been happening to their lives the past weeks, while Richard mostly listened. He enjoyed listening to his girlfriend’s witty and animated kwentos. He joined in from time to time, especially when Maya told her mother about their trip to Tagaytay. Before the three of them knew it, several hours have passed!
“Nay, ako na po ang magliligpit nitong mga plate.” Maya said, when they realized that it was almost twilight. Richard stood up to help him. But both Maya and her mother objected. “Dito na lang, sweetheart, samahan mo si Nanay.” Maya was then off to the kitchen, like her mother did earlier, before her mother can object to that to!
“Mana, talaga sa akin itong anak ko!” Nanay Tessie said, seeing a repeat of what she did earlier, her gaze on her daughter. She turned, then looked closely at Richard and saw his serious expression. She also noticed that he seemed a bit nervous. She waited what he would say next.
Richard is indeed nervous, for he realized several minutes ago, that this is chance to talk to Maya’s mother alone. Knowing Maya, he knows she would wash the dishes herself instead of leaving it in the sink. He took a deep breath and then plunged in to what he wanted to say to Maya’s mother. “Tita Tessie, pwede ko po ba kayong makausap?” He started.
“Sure Richard.” Nanay Tessie said, puzzled as they have been chatting the past several hours, then her heart started to beat faster, realizing something, judging by Richard’s serious expression, she needed to be sure, though even if she has an inkling on what is this all about.” Tungkol ba sa saan iyon, anak?” She asked gently, and calmly after taking deep breaths too.
“I would like to ask for your permission po sana.” Richard said. “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. Gusto ko po sanang mag-propose kay Maya.” He finished looking at Maya’s mother, waiting for her reaction.
Nanay Tessie smiled broadly at Richard, then gets teary-eyed. “Sabi ko na nga ba, Richard, iyan ang sasabihin mo. Nung sinabi mo pa lang na gusto mo akong makausap, kumabog na ang dibdib ko. Of course, oo ang sagot ko diyan. Actually, you and Maya are old enough, hindi mo naman na talaga kailangan ang permiso ko, pero maraming salamat pa rin, anak, sa respeto at pagpapahalaga sa akin. Pasensya ka na at medyo naluluha ako. Masayang-masaya lang kasi ako para sa inyo ng anak ko.”
“Thank you very much po Tita Tessie! Kaya nga po gustong-gusto ko na kayong makilala at makapunta rito sa San Nicolas para po makapagpaalam sa inyo. Dito ko rin po sana gustong mag-propose kay Maya. Like ten years ago, when I was planning to follow her here in San Nicolas, kung hindi po nagkaproblema iyong family ko, to declare my feelings for her and court her. Siguro po, nabanggit ni Maya na biglaan kaming umalis pa-China ten years ago. Nakidnap po kasi ang Mama ko and kapatid and my father uprooted us abruptly after that. Pero noon pa lang po, mahal ko na talaga ang anak ninyo.” Richard said, and Nanay Tessie can see in his eyes, how much he loves her daughter.
“I know po that Maya and I just saw each other again and we just started our relationship, but I don’t want to waste time na po. We have waited long enough. And I have never been surer of something in my life than the fact that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She is my forever.” He added, his voice ringing of complete sincerity and conviction. “Nasabi ko na rin po sa Mama at Papa ko ang tungkol sa amin ni Maya and my plan to propose to her. They told me that they are looking forward to meeting Maya again as their future daughter-in-law. They have met her na po kasi, ten years ago. Both my parents are happy for us. But if not naman po, Tita Tessie, I would have stood by Maya.”
“Richard, I’m sorry to hear about what happened to your family. Nabanggit lang ni Maya sa akin na biglaan kayong umalis. I didn’t know na nakidnap ang Mama mo and kapatid. It must have been a very traumatic experience for your family.” Nanay Tessie said, understanding more about what happened in the past, then she continued, “Thank you, for loving my daughter so much. Iyon lang naman ang mahihiling ng isang magulang na katulad ko. Ang makita na magiging maayos ang anak niya at may isang taong magmamahal sa kanya, gaya ng nakikita kong pagmamahal mo sa kanya. Masayang-masaya ako. Both of you have my blessings! You two deserve to be happy after what the two of you had been through!” Nanay Tessie said emotionally. “Saka, ang swerte ninyo ng anak ko, natagpuan ninyo ulit ang isa’t isa after all these years. Welcome to our family, anak. Now I will have a son. I’m happy to have you as my son!”
Richard was touched at Nanay Tessie said. “I would be honored po to be your son.” He said. “Maraming-maraming salamat po ulit sa pagtanggap sa akin ng buong-buo.”
“Halika nga ditong bata ka.” Nanay Tessie said, standing up. When Richard reached her side, she gave him a big hug.
“Kailan mo pala balak mag-propose kay Maya? Sabi mo dito? You mean, bukas? Or sa susunod ninyong balik?” Nanay Tessie asked as she and Richard settled back again into their seats.
“Tomorrow afternoon po.” Richard admitted, smiling. “I made an initial plan po with Doris. Pero sabi ko sa kanya magpapaalam po muna ako sa inyo, then I will call her pagkatapos para if ever, i-execute na our plan.”
“Really!” Nanay Tessie said, though, not that surprised anymore.
“Opo sana! And I also need your help din po sana kung okay lang.” Richard said with a big smile.
“So, what, exactly, is your plan?” Tita Tessie asked, her eyes twinkling. She felt that this weekend is really going to be exciting and interesting. Mukhang pinaghandaan ng husto ng magiging son-in-law niya ang proposal sa anak niya!
Richard smiled at Maya’s mother, then told her what he was planning for the following evening, saying that he would like to give Maya a proposal that they can tell their children and grandchildren, something they will remember until they are old and gray. He would to make her very happy. When he was finished, Nanay Tessie’s face was wreathed in smiles.
“You really know my daughter and what she would like, Richard! She would be very happy with what you will do. Sigurado ako, sasagutin ka ng yes ng anak ko with that plan!” Nanay Tessie remarked, smiling happily, liking Richard’s plan, very much. “Mabuti at libre iyang si Doris. So iyon pala ang sinasabing event ni Fernando? Alam din ba niya na may plano kang mag-propose sa anak ko?”
“Hindi po. Si Doris lang po ang nakakaalam. Iyung dad niya po, ang pagkakaalam, may photoshoot for Doris’ magazine. She asked his help para ma-secure iyong place kasi friend niya raw po iyong mayor ng San Nicolas.”
“Yes, kumpare nga niya si Mayor Villanueva.” Nanay Tessie said, nodding. “So what would be my part?”
Richard told her what he would like to request from her, and when he was finished, Nanay Tessie said, “Consider it done, Richard. O siya, tawagan mo na si Doris, para ma-finalize na niya iyang proposal mo.”
Richard did that. Maya returned when he was putting his phone in his pocket. All she saw was her mother and Richard sharing a smiles. They seemed to have gotten along very well while she was in the kitchen and in the restaurant.
“Sorry, natagalan ako, Nay, Ricky.” Maya said as she returned to her seat beside Richard. “Pagkatapos kong maghugas ng mga plato, bumaba ako sa restaurant to check on Mely. I realized na hindi umakyat si Mely like she promised. Nawala na sa isip nating lahat. Hayun kaya pala hindi nakaakyat, may dumating na isang coaster na tourists. They needed all the hands they can have.”
“Hmmmm, bakit kaya hindi ako tinawag ng batang iyon.” Nanay Tessie said distractedly, gazing at her daughter.
“Hindi ka na raw po niya tinawagan kasi kaya na naman nila nina Chona and since bumaba na rin naman si Manang Maring.” Maya explained. “So what did the two of you talk about while I was away?”
With thay question, Richard and Nanay Tessie automatically shared a look and a secret smile. “Wala naman anak, nagkwentuhan lang kami nitong si Richard.”
“Oo nga, sweetheart.” Richard hastily added.
“O paano, maiwan ko muna kayong dalawa rito.” Nanay Tessie said, standing up. “Ipahanda ko lang ang dinner natin. Maya why don’t you show Richard to his room first, para makapagpahinga bago tayo mag-dinner.”
“Sige po, Nay.” Maya said, standing up as well. However, she ws surprised when her mother hugged her tight and caressed her hair, before she went to the kitchen.
“I’m glad you are home, Maya. I’m so happy for you.” Nanay Tessie said enigmatically. She escaped to the kitchen before her daughter sees her getting teary-eyed. She does not want to ruin Richard’s wonderful plan for the following evening. She thought she had managed to compose herself before her daughter returned, but the seeing her and realizing that her daughter is about to embark into a new chapter of her life, made her emotional.
Maya was puzzled at mother’s action, but before she can think much of it, Richard asked her if she would like to rest as well, before dinner or they will just stay in the living room.
“Halika, pahinga ka na muna, sweetheart. Ang aga mo pa namang gumising kanina. I’ll show you to your room.” Maya said.
“How about you, sweetheart?” Richard asked. “Rest ka na rin. Actually, I’m not tired naman. I would rather spend the rest of the day with you.”
“Hmmm, sabagay. I’m not that tired nga rin. Saka, sayang ang moment natin dito, limited na nga ang time natin sa San Nicolas, itutulog pa natin.” Maya said, then she smiled broadly. “Alam ko na sweetheart! Doon tayo sa likod. May azotea itong house. Parang iyong veranda sa bahay mo! We can have coffee while relaxing.”
“That’ sounds great! Halika doon na lang tayo!” Richard said, taking hold of Maya’s hand and intertwining it with his. “Fresh air and beautiful company, sounds like a wonderful plan, sweetheart!”
Maya and Richard took a detour to the kitchen, made coffee and cup in hand, the two of them went to the azotea. The place was full of plants, mostly roses and sunflowers, and there is a coffee table by the corner, overlooking a beautiful garden.
“Now I know where you got your love for sunflowers!” Richard remarked. “Mahilig din pala ang nanay mo sa sunflowers!”
“Yes, mahilig siya diyan, also sa roses. Mahilig siyang mag-garden din. See that garden below, si Nanay ang nagku-cultivate niyan. Diyan galing ang herbs na ginagamit na pantimpla sa mga food sa restaurant. Lahat na yata ng klase, nakatanim diyan, basil, oregano, parsley, may tomatoes din, eggplants at kung ano-ano pa.”
“That’s great! I think people would really come to a restaurant which serves good, fresh food, not to mention the very nice ambiance. My first impression about your restaurant is that it is very homey and warmth.”
“Yes, I agree. And the ambiance, iyan ang gusto ni Nanay na ma-feel ng mga kumakain na para lang silang nasa bahay, eating delicious home cooked meal with their loved ones.” Maya said.
While sipping coffee, the two of them chatted about food and other specialty restaurants in San Nicolas. From there, the topic switched to Abby, and Richard’s promise to call her. Richard called her. He put the phone on speaker so he and Maya can talk to the little girl together. Abby was happy to hear from there and asked them to describe where they were, also what they ate. It was a nice chat. Maya and Richard stayed at the azotea until Manang Maring told them that they will have dinner in 15 minutes time.
Doris’s father was the first among the guests to arrive, followed by Maya’s Tito Rollie, Melinda and Simon’s father, and of course Simon who is Mely’s kuya. Everyone gathered at cordoned off area of Cristina’s and have a hearty dinner, punctuated by lively conversations, with all sorts of topics. Fernando and Rollie also drew Richard into a conversation about starting a new business, with Simon listening on as he would like to expand the family’s car parts stores. Maya, her mother and Mely also talked about the restaurant and additional food they can add on their new menu. After dinner, everyone moved upstairs and continued their chat over dessert and coffee. It was almost midnight when the impromptu party drew to a close.
“Maya, ihatid mo na si Richard sa room niya.” Nanay Tessie said as she and Maya took the plates, cups and saucer to the kitchen. “Iyong room na ginagamit ni Simon kapag nandito sa atin. Ipinaayos ko na iyon kay Maring kahapon. Check mo na lang if she missed something. Baka may kailangan pa si Richard. Tapos, anak, request ko naman na sa tabi kita matulog, please. Na-miss kita ng husto.” She added with a little lambing to her daughter. The truth is that she is also feeling sentimental, knowing that her daughter will get married soon.
“Sige po, Nay. I like that. Na-miss din kaya kita ng husto.” Maya said smiling. “Mauna na po kayo, linisin ko lang ang mga ito.”
“Naku, iwan mo na ang mga iyan. Maaga namang nagigising si Maring.” Nanay Tessie said. “Late na late na. Kayo nga ni Richard itong galing sa biyahe. Saka di ba dadalaw pa tayo sa puntod ng kapatid mo ng maaga.”
“Okay po. Balikan ko lang si Richard. Sunod na lang po ako sa inyo sa kwarto ninyo.” Maya went back to the living room. Richard gave her a loving smile when he saw her. “Sweetheart, halika na, I will show you to your room.”
Hand and hand, the two of them went to the room that Richard will be using while they are in San Nicolas. Maya opened the door to a room furnished in old wooden furniture, including the big bed with intricate carvings. Someone, she presumed Manang Maring, put his bag inside the room, except for the sling bag that Richard kept with him. Maya also checked the bathroom that adjoins the bedroom, being shared by another guest room, and saw that nothing Richard would need is lacking.
“Sweetheart, good night. Sweet dreams, my love.” Maya said with a big smile, then stood on tiptoes and gave Richard a light kiss on the lips. “I’m so happy that you are here with me, in the place where I grew up, meeting my mother and the rest of my family. This has been a wonderful day! I love you.”
“I love yoo too, very much, sweetheart. I’m very happy to be here with you. Finally, I got to meet your family. There’s no place I would rather be, than at this place, with you. Good night, sweetheart. More wonderful days, weeks, months and years waiting for us.” Richard placed his thumb on Maya’s chin, lowered his lips to hers and gave her a kiss that conveyed the intense emotion he was feeling at that moment. He stopped after a while as he knew that Maya’s mother is waiting for her.
The two of them shared a lingering look, a caress, another sweet ‘I love yous’, and another kiss before they parted for the night.
Maya instantly fell asleep after saying good night and I love you to her mother, more than 30 minutes after. However, Nanay Tessie on the other hand, was not able to do so. She looked at her beautiful daughter’s sleeping form with love. She took a trip down memory lane – from the time Maya was a little girl, so bubbly and sweet; to her teenage years, with her crushes and dreams; and to the grown-up Maya, so determined, beautiful and bright, and the sweetest daughter a mother could ask for. Now, she is about to embark on a new chapter of her life, a wonderful one, with the man she loves and who loves her very much. Nanay Tessie went to sleep happy, when she finally managed to do so. She kissed her daughter on the forehead and settled in beside her.
Richard also had a hard time falling asleep that evening. He was very happy. He smiled in the dark, excited and nervous! In several hours, he will be proposing to the woman he loves with all of him. When he managed to sleep, there was still a ghost of a smile on his handsome face.
Note: Have a blessed Sunday everyone! I can see that the sun is out and the weather is better from my place by the window, with a cup of coffee beside me, sitting cross-legged. Enjoying my quiet Sunday! I’ll write the next chapter in a while. I will post it as soon as I’m done, either this evening or tomorrow. ❤
My Sunflower World 
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